1926.1060(a): Ladder and Stairway Training Program
Employers must provide a training program for each worker who uses ladders and stairways, so they can spot the hazards and know the steps to reduce them. A competent person must train workers, as applicable, on fall hazards in the work area, fall protection setup and takedown, proper use and care of ladders and stairways, ladder load limits and the rules in this subpart.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1060(a) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- OSHA cited it 1,159 times in the last 3 years, in 1,156 inspections, with $1,285,435 in current penalties.
- 23 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (294), TX (130), IL (75).
- Related part: 1926.1060(a)(1) (152 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1060(a) is one requirement inside 1926.1060 Training requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart X). It includes 6 sub-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
(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. 1,159 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) 152 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) 63 citations
(iv) The maximum intended load-carrying capacities of ladders used; and
(v) The standards contained in this subpart. 2 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1060.
Injuries linked to this rule
23 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1060(a).
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 | 89 |
| 2024 | 439 |
| 2025 | 398 |
| 2026 | 233 |
Top states: MD (294), TX (130), IL (75), FL (61), VA (51)
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 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1060(a), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Keller ladder proper set up. (1993-12-01)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1060(a)(1) 152 citations
- 1926.1060(a)(1)(iii) 63 citations
- 1926.1060(a)(1)(i) 11 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
Who must train workers on ladder and stairway safety?
A competent person must do the training under 1926.1060(a)(1).
What topics must ladder and stairway training cover?
As applicable: fall hazards in the work area, erecting and taking down fall protection, proper construction, use, placement and care of ladders and stairways, maximum ladder load capacities, and the standards in Subpart X.
Which workers need this training?
Each employee who uses ladders and stairways, as necessary for their work.
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 2026-10-20
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.