OSHA 1926.1053(b)(13): standing on the top of a stepladder
Under 29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(13), the top or top step of a stepladder must not be used as a step. Cross-bracing on the rear section must not be climbed unless the ladder is built with steps on both front and rear sections.
Official text
(b)(13) The top or top step of a stepladder shall not be used as a step.Read the full section on eCFR
(b)(14) Cross-bracing on the rear section of stepladders shall not be used for climbing unless the ladders are designed and provided with steps for climbing on both front and rear sections.Read the full section on eCFR
(b)(6) Ladders shall be used only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental displacement.Read the full section on eCFR
What it requires, in plain English
- Workers do not stand or step on the top cap or the top step of a stepladder.
- The rear cross-bracing is not climbed unless the stepladder has steps on both the front and rear sections.
- Stepladders are used on stable, level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental displacement.
Where it shows up on site
- An electrician standing on the top step to reach a ceiling box
- A worker kneeling on the top cap to reach overhead
- Someone climbing the back braces of a single-sided stepladder
Verify on site before you call it
A photo rarely shows every fact a standard depends on. Confirm these in person before treating the condition as a violation:
- Was the worker standing on the top cap or the top step, or on a lower step with knees against the ladder?
- Is the ladder a single-sided stepladder or a two-sided one with steps on both sections?
- Is the ladder tall enough for the task, or does the reach force workers onto the top?
- Is the ladder fully opened, spreaders locked, and on a stable, level surface?
Typical corrective actions
- Have the worker come down and replace the ladder with a taller stepladder sized for the task.
- Use a platform ladder, rolling scaffold or lift where the task needs a standing platform at height.
- Check that spreaders are locked and the ladder sits on a stable, level surface before reuse.
- Review stepladder use with the crew during the next toolbox talk.
Common questions
Can you stand on the top step of a stepladder under OSHA?
No. 1926.1053(b)(13) says the top or top step of a stepladder shall not be used as a step. If the task cannot be reached from a lower step, a taller ladder or a different means of access is needed.
Can you climb the back of a stepladder?
Only if it is designed for it. Under 1926.1053(b)(14), rear cross-bracing is not used for climbing unless the stepladder is designed and provided with steps on both the front and rear sections.
Turn the observation into a notice
Record what the photo shows, confirm the on-site checks above, and identify the responsible company and due date. Use the fillable construction safety notice template or follow aworked example from observation to verified fix. Cirqify can draft the notice from your circled photo for you to review.
Related standards
This guide summarizes federal OSHA construction standards for general information. It is not legal advice. States with their own OSHA-approved plans may set different or additional requirements; see federal and state coverage.