1926.452(m): Crawling Boards (Chicken Ladders)
Employers must make crawling boards used in roof construction, repair or maintenance extend from the roof peak to the eaves. They must be secured to the roof by ridge hooks or by means that meet equivalent criteria, such as strength and durability.
Key takeaways
- 1926.452(m) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 7 inspections, with $0 in current penalties.
- Most citations: IL (7), MA (3), WI (2).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.452(m) ("Crawling boards (chicken ladders)") is one requirement inside 1926.452 Additional requirements applicable to specific types of scaffolds, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart L). It includes 2 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
(m) Crawling boards (chicken ladders). 12 citations
(1) Crawling boards shall extend from the roof peak to the eaves when used in connection with roof construction, repair, or maintenance. 6 citations
(2) Crawling boards shall be secured to the roof by ridge hooks or by means that meet equivalent criteria (e.g., strength and durability). 6 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 | 4 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: IL (7), MA (3), WI (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| UMBRELLA HOME IMPROVEMENT CORP. | MOUNT PROSPECT, IL | $0 |
| L MORALES CONSTRUCTION CO. | GOLF, IL | $0 |
| NEVAREZ CONSTRUCTION AND ROOFING CO. | NORTHBROOK, IL | $0 |
| EBR CONSTRUCTION CORP | NORTH READING, MA | $0 |
| ANDY'S GT ROOFING, INC. | BARRINGTON, IL | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.452(m), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.452(m).
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 long must a crawling board be?
It must extend from the roof peak to the eaves when used for roof construction, repair or maintenance.
How is a crawling board secured?
By ridge hooks or by means that meet equivalent criteria, such as strength and durability.
What is another name for a crawling board?
A chicken ladder.
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.