OSHA Regulations 

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires employers to provide ladders under several various workplace conditions.  As stated by OSHA, in general the standards require ladders under the following conditions:

• When there is a break in elevation of 19 inches (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.  
• When there is only one point 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.
• When there are more than two points of 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.

OSHA regulations regarding ladder use and applicable to ladders can be found at the following links: 

• A Guide to Scaffold Use in the  Construction Industry
• Fact Sheet: Safe Use of Stepladders
• Fact Sheet: Safe Use of Extension Ladders
• Stairways and Ladders: A Guide to OSHA Rules
• Use Ladder Safety-General