Ladder Safety: OSHA’s #3 Most Cited Violation

By Abbie Geigle 

One misstep. One shortcut. One unstable ladder. That’s all it takes for a serious injury or even a fatal fall on the job. In 2025, OSHA ranked ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053) as the #3 most cited safety violation, with 2,405 total violations. Despite decades of awareness, ladder misuse continues to endanger workers — and too many job sites are still repeating the same mistakes.

Where the Violations Occur Most

The industries with the highest number of ladder-related violations include:

• Roofing – topping the list, where frequent ladder use and high elevations create serious risks.
• Framers – often working quickly with ladders during building assembly.
• Siding contractors – moving up and down ladders repeatedly in exterior work.
• Residential construction – where smaller crews and fast-paced projects can lead to shortcuts with equipment.

In each of these industries, the risks are the same: improper ladder selection, unsafe positioning, failing to maintain three points of contact, or ignoring inspection and maintenance requirements. Even a short fall can result in life-changing injuries.

Why Ladder Safety Matters

Falls remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities. OSHA’s repeated inclusion of ladder violations in the top rankings highlights how easily preventable these accidents are with proper training and compliance. Employers have a duty to ensure that every worker using ladders is properly trained on inspection, safe usage, and fall prevention techniques.

Training That Makes a Difference

Education is one of the most powerful tools in reducing ladder-related injuries. If you or your team want to build a stronger foundation in this area, OSHAcademy offers a dedicated course:

👉 Course 603: Stairway and Ladder Safety

This training covers critical topics such as:

• Recognizing hazards when working on ladders and stairways
• OSHA’s specific requirements under 1926.1053
• Safe ladder selection and setup
• Proper inspection, use, and storage practices

By completing this course, workers and employers alike can take proactive steps to ensure compliance and protect lives.

Final Thoughts

The fact that ladder safety remains a top violation in 2025 underscores that this isn’t just a compliance issue – it’s a life-or-death matter. Roofing companies, framers, siding contractors, and residential builders must take extra precautions, but the truth is, any jobsite with ladders is at risk.

Investing in training today not only helps reduce citations but also prevents injuries, saves lives, and strengthens workplace safety culture.