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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11093, Amending the Medical Evaluation Requirements in the Respiratory Protection Standard for Certain Types of Respirators
OSHA wants to make it easier for workers using certain respirators by removing some medical check-ups for filtering facepiece and loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators. This change affects workers who wear these masks and could save time and money on medical evaluations. The public can share their thoughts until July 6, 2026, before the rule is finalized.
2026-10456, Department of Labor Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Annual Adjustments for 2026
Good news for businesses and workers: the Department of Labor won’t raise any fines or penalties in 2026 because the usual inflation data wasn’t available. This means all civil penalties stay the same starting May 27, 2026. So, no surprise cost hikes this year—just steady rules and steady fees!
2026-19833, Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc.: Application for Expansion of Recognition
Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc. wants to expand its official status as a trusted safety tester recognized by OSHA. This means they can test more products to keep workers safe. If you have thoughts or info about this, you have until October 14, 2026, to speak up—no cost changes announced yet, but more testing means more safety!
2026-19268, TUV SUD America, Inc.: Application for Expansion of Recognition
TUV SUD America, Inc. wants to expand its official testing powers by adding two new test standards to its recognized list. This change affects companies relying on TUVAM for safety testing and could speed up product approvals. You’ve got until October 6, 2026, to share your thoughts or ask for more time to comment.
2026-19267, RETC, LLC.: Application for Expansion of Recognition
RETC, LLC. wants to expand its role as a trusted safety tester recognized by OSHA. This means they could test more products to keep workers safe. If you have thoughts or info, speak up by October 6, 2026, so OSHA can consider it before making a final call.
2026-17726, Rescission of Coordinated Enforcement Regulations
The Department of Labor (Department) is rescinding the regulations that established formal procedures for coordination of enforcement activities among the Wage and Hour Division (WHD), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Employment and Training Administration (ETA) with respect to migrant and seasonal farmworkers. The Department is rescinding these regulations because they are obsolete, no longer reflect the Department's organizational structure or operational practices, and are not needed for effective coordination among the relevant component agencies. This action will remove unnecessary regulatory burden and align the Department's enforcement strategy with modern, effective, and flexible coordination models already in use.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-06574, Establishment of Class E Airspace; Dover, OH
The FAA wants to create new Class E airspace around Dover, Ohio to help pilots fly safely using instruments, especially in bad weather. This change mainly affects pilots and air traffic controllers and aims to improve flight rules and procedures. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until May 21, 2026, to share them—no costs or fees involved!
Next: 2026-06604, Medicare Program; FY 2027 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update and Hospice Quality Reporting Program Requirements
Starting in Fiscal Year 2027, Medicare is updating how much it pays hospices and adjusting the wage index that helps set those payments. Hospices will also need to give patients a new form when they start hospice care, and there are some changes to quality reporting rules. These updates affect hospices nationwide and aim to improve care while keeping payments fair—comments on the proposal are open until June 1, 2026.