1926.452(k)(4): Ladders Supporting Ladder Jacks
Ladders used to support ladder jacks must be placed, fastened or equipped with devices to prevent slipping.
Key takeaways
- 1926.452(k)(4) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 20 times in the last 3 years, in 20 inspections, with $19,198 in current penalties.
- Most citations: WI (4), MA (3), NY (2).
- Related part: 1926.452(k) Ladder jack scaffolds (93 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.452(k)(4) is one requirement inside 1926.452 Additional requirements applicable to specific types of scaffolds, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart L). 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
(4) Ladders used to support ladder jacks shall be placed, fastened, or equipped with devices to prevent slipping. 20 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.452.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: WI (4), MA (3), NY (2), NH (2), VA (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| NATIONAL FRAMERS HL CORP. | COLD SPRING HARBOR, NY | $4,839 |
| SUNLIFE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES INC. | LAKELAND, FL | $3,310 |
| H & R GEN. CONSTRUCTION INC | BROOKLYN, NY | $3,150 |
| BRAULIO GENERAL CONTRACTING, LLC. | DOYLESTOWN, PA | $2,128 |
| DAVID CONSTRUCTION SERVICES INC | CONCORD, NH | $2,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.452(k)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.452(k)(4).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.452(k) Ladder jack scaffolds 93 citations
- 1926.452(k)(5) 34 citations
- 1926.452(k)(1) 27 citations
- 1926.452(k)(3) 3 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
How must ladders under ladder jacks be set up?
They must be placed, fastened or equipped with devices to prevent slipping.
Why does it matter?
If the ladder slips, the ladder jack scaffold and the worker on it can fall.
What options are allowed?
Placing, fastening or equipping the ladder with devices to prevent slipping.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.452 (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 2026-10-19
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.