1926.1060: Ladder and Stairway Training
Construction employers must provide a training program for each worker who uses ladders and stairways, as necessary. A competent person must train workers on fall hazards, fall protection systems, proper construction, use, placement and care of ladders and stairways, ladder load limits and the rules of this subpart. Retraining must be given as needed.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1060 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 1,172 times in the last 3 years, in 1,169 inspections, with $1,313,554 in current penalties.
- 23 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (300), TX (125), IL (74).
- Most-cited part: 1926.1060(a) (1,160 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1060, "Training requirements", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart X). It has 8 numbered paragraphs. 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
Show the full text of 1926.1060 (8 paragraphs)
The following training provisions clarify the requirements of § 1926.21(b)(2), regarding the hazards addressed in subpart X.
(a) The employer shall provide a training program for each employee using ladders and stairways, as necessary. The program shall enable each employee to recognize hazards related to ladders and stairways, and shall train each employee in the procedures to be followed to minimize these hazards. Open (a) 1,160 citations
(1) The employer shall ensure that each employee has been trained by a competent person in the following areas, as applicable: Open (a)(1) 149 citations
(i) The nature of fall hazards in the work area; Open (a)(1)(i) 11 citations
(ii) The correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, and disassembling the fall protection systems to be used; 3 citations
(iii) The proper construction, use, placement, and care in handling of all stairways and ladders; Open (a)(1)(iii) 61 citations
(iv) The maximum intended load-carrying capacities of ladders used; and
(v) The standards contained in this subpart. 2 citations
(b) Retraining shall be provided for each employee as necessary so that the employee maintains the understanding and knowledge acquired through compliance with this section. Open (b) 12 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Export the list: 1,169 inspections cited 1926.1060 in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
23 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1060.
At 12:00 p.m. on February 17, 2025, Employee #1 was working as a drywall installer and was installing metal frames and drywall. The employee was working from a 7-foot ladder installing fire tape and drywall when he fell sustaining fatal injuries.
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 | 66 |
| 2024 | 442 |
| 2025 | 403 |
| 2026 | 261 |
Top states: MD (300), TX (125), IL (74), FL (63), VA (53)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BCG CONTRACTOR CORPORATION | MILLSBORO, DE | $26,786 |
| 106328 - MESCHKE CONSTRUCTION INC | ANDOVER, MN | $25,000 |
| MIGUEL NUNEZ | SELBYVILLE, DE | $24,842 |
| VANGUARDIA CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION | SUFFOLK, VA | $23,065 |
| BACILIO RIOS | APPLETON, WI | $19,644 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1060.
Most-cited parts of this rule
- 1926.1060(a) 1,160 citations
- 1926.1060(a)(1) 149 citations
- 1926.1060(a)(1)(iii) 61 citations
- 1926.1060(b) 12 citations
- 1926.1060(a)(1)(i) 11 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Who must provide ladder and stairway training?
The employer must ensure each employee is trained by a competent person.
What topics are covered?
Fall hazards in the work area, procedures for fall protection systems, proper construction, use, placement and care of stairways and ladders, ladder load capacities, and the standards in Subpart X.
Is retraining required?
Yes. Retraining must be provided as necessary so workers keep the understanding and knowledge they gained.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1060 (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 2026-11-06
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.