OSHA Debates Keeping Risky Ladder Cages in Place
Published Date: 4/6/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
OSHA is proposing to remove the deadline that requires all fixed ladders over 24 feet to have personal fall arrest or ladder safety systems. They’re also asking if employers should be allowed to keep using ladder cages instead of these newer safety systems. This affects employers with tall ladders and could change safety rules, with comments due by June 5, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
OSHA removes 2036 ladder retrofit deadline
OSHA proposes to remove the November 18, 2036 deadline that would have required all fixed ladders over 24 feet to be retrofitted with personal fall arrest or ladder safety systems. That means employers could avoid costly retrofits until ladders reach the end of their service lives, potentially saving billions (petitioners estimated more than $1.2 billion for 22,000 ladders and OSHA extrapolated over $3.6 billion in one sector). Comments are due by June 5, 2026.
Agency seeks comment on keeping ladder cages
OSHA is asking whether it should repeal the requirement that employers use personal fall arrest systems on all fixed ladders over 24 feet and instead allow continued use of ladder cages or wells. If adopted, employers might avoid retrofits, but OSHA is requesting evidence on whether cages and wells provide safety outcomes equivalent to personal fall arrest or ladder safety systems. Comments are due by June 5, 2026.
New and replacement ladders still require systems
OSHA would keep the requirement that any fixed ladder installed on or after November 19, 2018 be equipped with a personal fall arrest system or ladder safety system, and when a fixed ladder (or any section) is replaced, that replaced section must have a personal fall arrest or ladder safety system. Employers installing new ladders or replacing ladder sections will still need to comply with those equipment requirements.
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