OSHA Regulations for Ladder Safety

Injured in a ladder fall at work? Our New York lawyers can protect your rights

Every year, thousands of workers suffer injuries from ladder-related accidents, with falls accounting for a significant portion of workplace injuries and fatalities. In 2023, the construction industry reported 109 fatalities where portable ladders and stairs were the primary source.

Year after year, statistics like this demonstrate why proper ladder safety protocols aren’t just about regulatory compliance – they’re about saving lives. When companies fail to adhere to ladder safety regulations set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), workers’ lives and health are at risk.

What are OSHA’s ladder safety standards?

OSHA’s ladder safety regulations aren’t one-size-fits-all. They vary by industry and application, with specific standards for general industry (29 CFR 1910.23, 1910.25-27), construction (29 CFR 1926), maritime operations, and agriculture. While the construction standards tend to be the most comprehensive, the core principles remain consistent across sectors.

These regulations aren’t static, either. The 2016 Walking-Working Surfaces rule introduced significant updates, particularly regarding fall protection requirements for fixed ladders. It’s important for employers to understand which standards apply to your workplace.

What are the OSHA rules for ladder safety?

Regardless of your industry or the type of ladder used, certain fundamental requirements apply across the board:

Load capacity requirements

Each ladder comes with a duty rating that indicates its maximum intended load. The “maximum intended load” includes the combined weight of the worker, tools, and materials. The maximum loads per ladder type are:

Type IAA: 375 pounds (special duty)
Type IA: 300 pounds (extra heavy duty)
Type I: 250 pounds (heavy duty)
Type II: 225 pounds (medium duty)
Type III: 200 pounds (light duty)

Inspection and maintenance

Every ladder must be inspected before use for visible defects such as:

Structural damage, cracks, or splitting
Missing or damaged rungs or steps
Corrosion or rust
Loose or missing components
Damaged feet or non-slip surfaces

Ladders with structural defects must be immediately tagged “Do Not Use” or “Dangerous” and removed from service until properly repaired or replaced. Makeshift repairs are strictly prohibited. If a ladder can’t be repaired according to manufacturer specifications, it must be replaced.

Placement and setup

Proper positioning is important for ladder safety:

Place on stable, level surfaces.
Secure to prevent displacement during use.
Position extension ladders at the proper 4:1 ratio — for every 4 feet of ladder height, the base should be 1 foot away from the wall.
Extend at least 3 feet above landing surfaces.
Keep areas around the top and bottom of ladders clear.
Never place on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to gain additional height.

Usage requirements

Even with the right ladder properly set up, how you use it matters:

Always maintain 3-point contact (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand).
Face the ladder when climbing up or down.
Keep your body centered between the side rails.
Never carry objects that could cause you to lose balance.
Avoid excessive reaching; your belt buckle should stay between the side rails.
Never use the top step or top cap of a stepladder as a step.

What are the specific OSHA requirements by ladder type?

Different ladder types have unique safety considerations beyond the general requirements. Here is what employers need to consider:

Portable ladders

Portable ladders include non-self-supporting ladders (extension ladders) and self-supporting ladders (stepladders). Key requirements for extension ladders include:

Ensuring proper overlap between sections (3-foot overlap for ladders up to 36 feet, 4-foot overlap for ladders 36-48 feet, 5-foot overlap for ladders 48-60 feet).
Securing both top and bottom to prevent movement.
Using stable supporting surfaces.
Positioning at approximately 75.5 degrees (the 4:1 ratio mentioned earlier).

The requirements for stepladders are:

Fully opening with spreaders locked before use.
Never use in the closed position while leaning against a wall.
Never stand on the top cap or the step below it.
Never straddling the front and back.
Never “walk” the ladder while standing on it.

Fixed ladders

Fixed ladders are permanently attached to a structure. Their requirements:

They must be capable of supporting at least two loads of 250 pounds each.
Rungs must be at least 16 inches wide and uniformly spaced 10-14 inches apart.
They must have at least 7 inches of clearance between the centerline of rungs and the structure.
For ladders extending more than 24 feet, fall protection is required.

Additionally, the 2016 Walking-Working Surfaces rule phased in new fall protection requirements for fixed ladders extending more than 24 feet. For ladders installed before November 19, 2018, cages or wells are acceptable until 2036, when all fixed ladders over 24 feet must have personal fall arrest systems or ladder safety systems. New fixed ladders installed after November 19, 2018, must have personal fall arrest systems or ladder safety systems.

Specialty ladders

Some work environments require specialized ladder types with additional considerations. For example, multi-position ladders can be configured in several positions, including as a stepladder, extension ladder, or scaffold. These are the requirements for each specification:

Always verify locks are fully engaged before climbing.
Follow configuration-specific setup instructions.
Inspect pivot points and hinges carefully before use.
Only use in configurations approved by the manufacturer.

Additionally, platform ladders must have a minimum depth of 12 inches. Guard rails may be required depending on platform height. Weight capacity includes both user and tools/materials, and the platform must be kept free of slipping hazards.

Training requirements

The most overlooked aspect of ladder safety compliance is proper training. OSHA requires employers to provide training on:

How to identify hazards associated with ladders
How to properly select the right ladder for the job
Maximum intended load capacities
Proper placement, setup, and use
Inspection procedures and defect recognition

Training must be provided to each employee who might use a ladder, and retraining is required when:

Changes in the workplace render previous training obsolete
Changes in ladder types or equipment are introduced
An employee demonstrates inadequate knowledge or use of ladders
After incidents or near-misses involving ladders

Who’s most at risk for ladder injuries on the job?

If you work in construction, you’re dealing with ladders all the time on uneven ground, in bad weather, and often at serious heights. For this reason, construction workers are at a high risk of ladder accidents. Additionally, those who work in roofing, HVAC servicing, or signage replacement work with ladders and are at risk of falls from heights.

Service workers – including janitors, pest control technicians, painters, and window washers – also face significant fall risks. All of them rely on ladders and face similar fall risks.

Those who survive ladder accidents often sustain serious and debilitating injuries, including:

Bone fractures
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Internal injuries
Cuts, bruises, and sprains

What should I do if I suffered an injury in a ladder fall in New York?

If you were injured in a ladder fall at work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. First, get medical attention right away, even if the injury seems minor. Seeing a doctor helps protect your health and creates a medical record that supports your claim. You’ll also need to report the ladder accident to your employer within 30 days. It’s best to do this in writing.

You may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, which can help cover medical costs and lost wages. To start your claim, file Form C-3 with the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. Be sure to keep detailed records of your injury, treatment, and missed work in case your benefits are questioned or delayed.

If your claim is denied, your treatment is delayed, or you’re pressured to return to work too soon, consider speaking with a New York workers’ compensation lawyer who can guide you through the process and fight for the benefits you deserve. The legal team at Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano is here to help you every step of the way.

When you contact us for a free consultation, we’ll answer your questions and explain your options clearly. There’s no pressure, no obligation, and absolutely no charge to talk. If you choose to move forward, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win. We serve clients across the state, from New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley to Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse. Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential case review.

“The firm treated me with respect and dignity and handled all my workers comp issues with ease. I highly recommended them. Thank you.” – E.D., ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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