Stairways and Ladders

It is hazardous, Stairways and ladders are major

sources of injuries and fatalities among construction

workers for example, and many of the injuries are

serious enough to require time off the job. OSHA

rules apply to all stairways and ladders used in

construction, alteration, repair, painting, decorating

and demolition of worksites covered by

OSHA’s construction safety and health standards.

These rules specify when employers must

provide stairways and ladders. In general, the

standards require the following:

(48 cm) or more and no ramp, runway,

embankment or personnel hoist is available,

employers must provide a stairway or ladder

at all worker points of access.

between levels, employers must keep it clear

of obstacles to permit free passage by workers.

If free passage becomes restricted,

employers must provide a second point of

access and ensure that workers use it.

access between levels, employers must ensure

that at least one point of access remains clear.

In addition, employers must install all stairway

and ladder fall protection systems required by

these rules and ensure that their worksite meets

all requirements of the stairway and ladder rules

before employees use stairways or ladders. See 29

specifically manufactured for scaffold access and

egress, but does apply to job-made and manufactured

portable ladders intended for general purpose

use. Rules for ladders used on or with scaffolds are