1926.453(b)(2)(iv): Stand on the Basket Floor in Aerial Lifts
Employees in aerial lift baskets must always stand firmly on the floor of the basket. They must not sit or climb on the edge of the basket or use planks, ladders or other devices to gain a work position.
Key takeaways
- 1926.453(b)(2)(iv) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 212 times in the last 3 years, in 212 inspections, with $662,015 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (23), IL (15), MO (14).
- Related part: 1926.453(b)(2) Extensible and articulating boom platforms (1,879 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(iv) is one requirement inside 1926.453 Aerial lifts, 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
(iv) Employees shall always stand firmly on the floor of the basket, and shall not sit or climb on the edge of the basket or use planks, ladders, or other devices for a work position. 212 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.453.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.453(b)(2)(iv).
At 11:00 a.m. on November 23, 2023, Employee #1 was working for a roofing contractor. Employee #1 was picking up sheet of plywood when a gust of wind caused him to lose balance and fall from roof edge approximately 60 feet. Employee #1 suffered blunt…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 68 |
| 2025 | 91 |
| 2026 | 38 |
Top states: TX (23), IL (15), MO (14), VA (14), NJ (12)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THOMAS BUILDERS OF VIRGINIA, INC. | WAYNESBORO, VA | $15,875 |
| COMET SIGNS LLC. | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $12,500 |
| FM CONSTRUCTION GROUP, LLC | WOBURN, MA | $12,421 |
| TITAN CARPENTRY, LLC | EUREKA, MO | $11,916 |
| RELIANCE CONSTRUCTION, INC. | FAIRFIELD, OH | $11,585 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.453(b)(2)(iv), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Use of aerial lift or scissor lift guardrails as a work or scaffold platform. (2002-10-23)
- Standards applicable to aerial lifts; acceptable uses of body belts as restraint systems and positioning devices. (2001-05-11)
- Use of an aerial basket to lift employees to an elevation to climb to a higher elevation. (1973-04-17)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.453(b)(2) Extensible and articulating boom platforms 1,879 citations
- 1926.453(b) Specific requirements 1,879 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(v) 1,608 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(ii) 27 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(viii) 12 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(vi) 9 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(i) 4 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(ix) 3 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(vii) 3 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(iii) 1 citations
- 1926.453(b)(2)(xii)
- 1926.453(b)(2)(xi)
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
Can I stand on the rail of an aerial lift basket?
No. Employees shall not sit or climb on the edge of the basket.
Can I use a ladder inside the basket to reach higher?
No. Planks, ladders or other devices may not be used for a work position.
Where must I stand in the basket?
Always firmly on the floor of the basket.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.453 (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.