1926.1053(b)(8): Securing Ladders in Traffic Areas
Ladders placed where workplace activities or traffic could knock them out of place, such as passageways, doorways or driveways, must be secured to prevent accidental displacement, or a barricade must be used to keep traffic away from the ladder.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1053(b)(8) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 56 times in the last 3 years, in 56 inspections, with $116,376 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: AZ (7), MN (6), FL (5).
- 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)(8) 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
(8) Ladders placed in any location where they can be displaced by workplace activities or traffic, such as in passageways, doorways, or driveways, shall be secured to prevent accidental displacement, or a barricade shall be used to keep the activities or traffic away from the ladder. 56 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1053.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1053(b)(8).
At 11:49 a.m. on September 6, 2024, Employee #1 was climbing a 32-foot extensionladder while holding a five-gallon bucket. As the employee neared the top of theladder, it swayed, causing him to fall to the ground. Employee #1 sustained blunt force trauma to the head…
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 | 5 |
| 2024 | 25 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: AZ (7), MN (6), FL (5), VA (4), NY (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 1836 INSTALLATIONS LLC | EL PASO, TX | $14,000 |
| DAVID M. MAINES ASSOCIATES, INCORPORATED | MILL HALL, PA | $11,916 |
| SCOTT ROOFING, LLC. | RENO, NV | $9,033 |
| FRANKLIN CONSTRUCTION LTD. | EL PASO, TX | $8,000 |
| OJR CONSTRUCTION INC | BRIGHTON, MA | $5,323 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1053(b)(8), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- The use of extension cord while working from scissor lift; requirement to secure or barricade a ladder. (2004-05-27)
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)(22) 258 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
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
What must be done with a ladder set up in a doorway?
Secure it to prevent accidental displacement, or barricade to keep traffic away.
What locations does this cover?
Any place where the ladder can be displaced by workplace activities or traffic, such as passageways, doorways or driveways.
Is a barricade an acceptable option?
Yes, a barricade can be used to keep activities or traffic away 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.