1926.1053(b)(22): Do Not Carry Loads That Throw Off Balance on Ladders
Employees must not carry any object or load on a ladder that could cause them to lose balance and fall.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1053(b)(22) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 258 times in the last 3 years, in 258 inspections, with $757,585 in current penalties.
- 4 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: IL (84), NJ (19), FL (18).
- Related part: 1926.1053(b) Use (10,146 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(22) is one requirement inside 1926.1053 Ladders, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart X). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(22) An employee shall not carry any object or load that could cause the employee to lose balance and fall. 258 citations
[55 FR 47687, Nov. 14, 1990; 56 FR 2585, Jan. 23, 1991, as amended at 56 FR 41794, Aug. 23, 1991; 79 FR 20743, Apr. 11, 2014]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1053.
Injuries linked to this rule
4 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1053(b)(22).
At 3:40 p.m. on November 11, 2024, Employee #1 was working from a 6-foot step ladder while setting joists in place from the first story of a structure. He stood on the top of the ladder, lost his balance, and fell to the concrete floor.…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 20 |
| 2024 | 99 |
| 2025 | 83 |
| 2026 | 56 |
Top states: IL (84), NJ (19), FL (18), TX (15), MO (14)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| J.S ALDO'S CONSTRUCTION CO, INC. | MAYWOOD, NJ | $16,550 |
| BUILDING AMERICA STRONGER WELDING, LLC. | ASHBURN, VA | $16,285 |
| DAVILAS CONSTRUCTION LLC | PORTAGE, WI | $16,131 |
| MIGUEL A. ESQUINA REYES DBA CORNER CONSTRUCTION | GLENCOE, IL | $16,131 |
| JUAN ALBERTO FELIPE MARROQUIN DBA JUAN ALBERTO FELIPE MARROQUIN | NAPERVILLE, IL | $15,440 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1053(b)(22), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Whether or not fall protection is to be used when reinforcing steel is being installed and application of OSHA's job-made ladder requirements to rebar cages. (1995-04-26)
- Loads carried by persons climbing or descending a ladder. (1992-04-02)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1053(b) Use 10,146 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(1) 6,588 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(13) 947 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(4) 910 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(16) 382 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(6) 244 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(5) 223 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(5)(i) 220 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(15) 139 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(9) 116 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(10) 58 citations
- 1926.1053(b)(8) 56 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Can I carry materials up a ladder?
Not any object or load that could cause you to lose balance and fall.
Who does this rule apply to?
It applies to employees using ladders in construction.
What is the hazard?
Losing balance and falling from the ladder.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1053 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.