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Stairways and Ladders

A Guide to OSHA Rules

OSHA 3124-12R 2003

 Stairways and Ladders:
A Guide to OSHA Rules
U.S. Department of Labor
This informational booklet provides a
general overview of a particular topic Occupational Safety and Health Administration
related to OSHA standards. It does not alter
or determine compliance responsibilities in OSHA 3124-12R
OSHA standards or the Occupational Safety 2003
and Health Act of 1970. Because interpreta-
tions and enforcement policy may change
over time, you should consult current OSHA
administrative interpretations and decisions
by the Occupational Safety and Health
Review Commission and the Courts for
additional guidance on OSHA compliance
requirements.

This publication is in the public domain

and may be reproduced, fully or partially,
without permission. Source credit is
requested but not required.

This information is available to sensory

impaired individuals upon request.
Voice phone: (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter
(TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.
Contents Introduction
Introduction...3 Working on and around stairways and ladders
General Requirements...3 is hazardous. Stairways and ladders are major
Rules for Ladders...4 sources of injuries and fatalities among construction
All Ladders...4 workers for example, and many of the injuries are
Specific Types of Ladders...6 serious enough to require time off the job. OSHA
rules apply to all stairways and ladders used in
Stepladders...6
construction, alteration, repair, painting, decorat-
Portable Ladders...6
ing and demolition of worksites covered by
Fixed Ladders...7
OSHA’s construction safety and health standards.
Cages for Fixed Ladders...9
Wells for Fixed Ladders...10 General Requirements
Ladder Safety Devices and Related
Support Systems for Fixed Ladders...11 These rules specify when employers must
Requirements for Mounting Ladder Safety provide stairways and ladders. In general, the
Devices for Fixed Ladders...11 standards require the following:
Defective Ladders...12
■ When there is a break in elevation of 19 inches
(48 cm) or more and no ramp, runway,
Rules for Stairways...12
embankment or personnel hoist is available,
Stairways Used During Construction...12
employers must provide a stairway or ladder
Temporary Stairs...13
at all worker points of access.
Stair Rails...14
■ When there is only one point of access
Handrails...15
between levels, employers must keep it clear
Midrails...15
of obstacles to permit free passage by work-
Training Requirements...16
ers. If free passage becomes restricted,
Glossary...16 employers must provide a second point of
OSHA Assistance...17 access and ensure that workers use it.
Safety and Health Program ■ When there are more than two points of
Management Guidelines...18 access between levels, employers must ensure
State Programs...18 that at least one point of access remains clear.
Consultation Services...19
In addition, employers must install all stairway
Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)...20
and ladder fall protection systems required by
Strategic Partnership Program...20 these rules and ensure that their worksite meets
Alliance Program...20 all requirements of the stairway and ladder rules
Training and Education...21 before employees use stairways or ladders. See 29
Electronic Information...22 CFR 1926.1050-1060 for the details of the standard.
OSHA Publications...22 Note: The standard does not apply to ladders
Emergencies, Complaints or specifically manufactured for scaffold access and
Further Assistance...23 egress, but does apply to job-made and manufac-
OSHA Regional Offices...23 tured portable ladders intended for general purpose
use. Rules for ladders used on or with scaffolds are
addressed in 29 CFR 1926.451 Subpart L.

2 3
Rules for Ladders

All Ladders ■ Double-cleated ladders or two or more ladders

The following rules apply to all ladders: must be provided when ladders are the only
■ Maintain ladders free of oil, grease and other way to enter or exit a work area where 25 or
slipping hazards. more employees work or when a ladder serves
simultaneous two-way traffic.
■ Do not load ladders beyond their maximum
intended load nor beyond their manufacturer’s ■ Ladder rungs, cleats and steps must be paral-
rated capacity. lel, level and uniformly spaced when the lad-
der is in position for use.
■ Use ladders only for their designed purpose.
■ Rungs, cleats and steps of portable and fixed
■ Use ladders only on stable and level surfaces
ladders (except as provided below) must not
unless secured to prevent accidental movement.
be spaced less than 10 inches (25 cm) apart,
■ Do not use ladders on slippery surfaces unless nor more than 14 inches (36 cm) apart, along
secured or provided with slip-resistant feet to the ladder’s side rails.
prevent accidental movement. Do not use slip- ■ Rungs, cleats and steps of step stools must not
resistant feet as a substitute for exercising care
be less than 8 inches (20 cm) apart, nor more
when placing, lashing or holding a ladder
than 12 inches (31 cm) apart, between center
upon slippery surfaces.
lines of the rungs, cleats and steps.
■ Secure ladders placed in areas such as pas- ■ Rungs, cleats and steps at the base section of
sageways, doorways or driveways, or where
extension trestle ladders must not be less than
they can be displaced by workplace activities
8 inches (20 cm) nor more than 18 inches (46
or traffic to prevent accidental movement. Or
cm) apart, between center lines of the rungs,
use a barricade to keep traffic or activity away
cleats and steps. The rung spacing on the
from the ladder.
extension section must not be less than 6 inch-
■ Keep areas clear around the top and bottom es (15 cm) nor more than 12 inches (31 cm).
of ladders. ■ Ladders must not be tied or fastened together
■ Do not move, shift or extend ladders while to create longer sections unless they are
in use. specifically designed for such use.
■ Use ladders equipped with nonconductive side ■ When splicing side rails, the resulting side rail
rails if the worker or the ladder could contact must be equivalent in strength to a one-piece
exposed energized electrical equipment. side rail made of the same material.
■ Face the ladder when moving up or down. ■ Two or more separate ladders used to reach an
■ Use at least one hand to grasp the ladder elevated work area must be offset with a plat-
when climbing. form or landing between the ladders, except
when portable ladders are used to gain access
■ Do not carry objects or loads that could cause
to fixed ladders.
loss of balance and falling.
■ Ladder components must be surfaced to
In addition, the following general requirements
prevent snagging of clothing and injury from
apply to all ladders, including ladders built at the
punctures or lacerations.
jobsite:

4 5
■ Wood ladders must not be coated with any In addition, the rungs and steps of portable
opaque covering except for identification or metal ladders must be corrugated, knurled,
warning labels, which may be placed only on dimpled, coated with skid-resistant material or
one face of a side rail. treated to minimize slipping.
Note: A competent person must inspect Non-self-supporting and self-supporting
ladders for visible defects periodically and after portable ladders must support at least four times
any incident that could affect their safe use. the maximum intended load; extra heavy-duty
type 1A metal or plastic ladders must sustain 3.3
Specific Types of Ladders times the maximum intended load. To determine
■ Do not use single-rail ladders. whether a self-supporting ladder can sustain a
certain load, apply the load to the ladder in a
■ Use non-self-supporting ladders at an angle
downward vertical direction with the ladder
where the horizontal distance from the top
placed at a horizontal angle of 75.5 degrees.
support to the foot of the ladder is approxi-
When portable ladders are used for access to
mately one-quarter of the working length of
an upper landing surface, the side rails must
the ladder.
extend at least 3 feet (.9 m) above the upper
■ Use wooden ladders built at the jobsite with landing surface. When such an extension is not
spliced side rails at an angle where the hori- possible, the ladder must be secured and a
zontal distance is one-eighth of the working grasping device such as a grab rail must be
length of the ladder. provided to assist workers in mounting and
In addition, the top of a non-self-supporting dismounting the ladder. A ladder extension must
ladder must be placed with two rails supported not deflect under a load that would cause the
equally unless it is equipped with a single support ladder to slip off its supports.
attachment.
Fixed Ladders
Stepladders If the total length of the climb on a fixed
■ Do not use the top or top step of a stepladder ladder equals or exceeds 24 feet (7.3 m), the lad-
as a step. der must be equipped with ladder safety devices;
or self-retracting lifelines and rest platforms at
■ Do not use cross bracing on the rear section of
intervals not to exceed 150 feet (45.7 m); or a
stepladders for climbing unless the ladders are
cage or well and multiple ladder sections with
designed and provided with steps for climbing
each ladder section not to exceed 50 feet (15.2 m)
on both front and rear sections.
in length. These ladder sections must be offset
■ Metal spreader or locking devices must be pro- from adjacent sections and landing platforms
vided on stepladders to hold the front and back must be provided at maximum intervals of 50 feet
sections in an open position when ladders are (15.2 m). In addition, fixed ladders must meet the
being used. following requirements:
■ Fixed ladders must be able to support at least
Portable Ladders two loads of 250 pounds (114 kg) each,
The minimum clear distance between side rails concentrated between any two consecutive
for all portable ladders must be 11.5 inches (29 cm). attachments. Fixed ladders also must support
added anticipated loads caused by ice buildup,
6 7
 winds, rigging and impact loads resulting from edge of a landing area must be no less than
using ladder safety devices. 7 inches (18 cm) and no more than 12 inches
■ Individual rung/step ladders must extend at (30 cm). A landing platform must be provided
least 42 inches (1.1 m) above an access level or if the step-across distance exceeds 12 inches
landing platform either by the continuation of (30 cm).
the rung spacings as horizontal grab bars or by ■ Fixed ladders without cages or wells must
providing vertical grab bars that must have the have at least a 15-inch (38 cm) clearance width
same lateral spacing as the vertical legs of the to the nearest permanent object on each side
ladder rails. of the centerline of the ladder.
■ Each step or rung of a fixed ladder must be ■ Fixed ladders must be provided with cages,
able to support a load of at least 250 pounds wells, ladder safety devices or self-retracting
(114 kg) applied in the middle of the step or lifelines where the length of climb is less than
rung. 24 feet (7.3 m) but the top of the ladder is at a
■ Minimum clear distance between the sides of distance greater than 24 feet (7.3 m) above
individual rung/step ladders and between the lower levels.
side rails of other fixed ladders must be ■ Side rails of through or side-step fixed ladders
16 inches (41 cm). must extend 42 inches (1.1 m) above the top
■ Rungs of individual rung/step ladders must be level or landing platform served by the ladder.
shaped to prevent slipping off the end of the Parapet ladders must have an access level at
rungs. the roof if the parapet is cut to permit passage
through it. If the parapet is continuous, the
■ Rungs and steps of fixed metal ladders
access level is the top of the parapet.
manufactured after March 15, 1991, must be
corrugated, knurled, dimpled, coated with
■ Steps or rungs for through-fixed-ladder exten-
skid-resistant material or treated to minimize sions must be omitted from the extension; and
slipping. the extension of side rails must be flared to
provide between 24 inches (61 cm) and 30
■ Minimum perpendicular clearance between
inches (76 cm) clearance between side rails.
fixed ladder rungs, cleats, and steps and any
obstruction behind the ladder must be 7 inches
■ When safety devices are provided, the maxi-
(18 cm), except that the clearance for an eleva- mum clearance distance between side rail
tor pit ladder must be 4.5 inches (11 cm). extensions must not exceed 36 inches (91 cm).
■ Minimum perpendicular clearance between
■ Fixed ladders must be used at a pitch no
the centerline of fixed ladder rungs, cleats and greater than 90 degrees from the horizontal,
steps, and any obstruction on the climbing measured from the back side of the ladder.
side of the ladder must be 30 inches (76 cm). If
obstructions are unavoidable, clearance may Cages for Fixed Ladders
be reduced to 24 inches (61 cm), provided a The requirements for cages for fixed ladders
deflection device is installed to guide workers are as follows:
around the obstruction. ■ Horizontal bands must be fastened to the side rails
■ Step-across distance between the center of the of rail ladders or directly to the structure, building
steps or rungs of fixed ladders and the nearest or equipment for individual-rung ladders.

8 9
■ Vertical bars must be on the inside of the hori- Ladder Safety Devices and Related Support
zontal bands and must be fastened to them. Systems for Fixed Ladders
■ Cages must not extend less than 27 inches The connection between the carrier or lifeline
(68 cm), or more than 30 inches (76 cm) from and the point of attachment to the body belt or
the centerline of the step or rung and must not harness must not exceed 9 inches (23 cm) in
be less than 27 inches (68 cm) wide. length. In addition, ladder safety devices and
related support systems on fixed ladders must
■ Insides of cages must be clear of projections.
conform to the following:
■ Horizontal bands must be spaced at intervals ■ All safety devices must be able to withstand,
not more than 4 feet (1.2 m) apart measured without failure, a drop test consisting of a
from centerline to centerline. 500-pound weight (226 kg) dropping 18 inches
■ Vertical bars must be spaced at intervals not (41 cm).
more than 9.5 inches (24 cm), measured ■ All safety devices must permit the worker to
centerline to centerline. ascend or descend without continually having
■ Bottoms of cages must be between 7 feet to hold, push or pull any part of the device,
(2.1 m) and 8 feet (2.4 m) above the point of leaving both hands free for climbing.
access to the bottom of the ladder. The bottom ■ All safety devices must be activated within
of the cage must be flared not less than 4 inch- 2 feet (.61 m) after a fall occurs and limit the
es (10 cm) between the bottom horizontal band descending velocity of an employee to
and the next higher band. 7 feet/second (2.1 m/sec) or less.
■ Tops of cages must be a minimum of 42 inches
(1.1 m) above the top of the platform or the
Requirements for Mounting Ladder
point of access at the top of the ladder. There
Safety Devices for Fixed Ladders
The requirements for mounting ladder safety
must be a way to access the platform or other
devices for fixed ladders are as follows:
point of access.
■ Mountings for rigid carriers must be attached
Wells for Fixed Ladders at each end of the carrier, with intermediate
The requirements for wells for fixed ladders mountings spaced along the entire length of
are as follows: the carrier, to provide the necessary strength to
■ Wells must completely encircle the ladder. stop workers’ falls.
■ Wells must be free of projections. ■ Mountings for flexible carriers must be
attached at each end of the carrier. Cable
■ Inside faces of wells on the climbing side of
guides for flexible carriers must be installed
the ladder must extend between 27 inches
with a spacing between 25 feet (7.6 m) and 40
(68 cm) and 30 inches (76 cm) from the center-
feet (12.2 m) along the entire length of the car-
line of the step or rung.
rier, to prevent wind damage to the system.
■ Inside widths of wells must be at least 30 inch-
■ Design and installation of mountings and
es (76 cm).
cable guides must not reduce the strength of
■ Bottoms of wells above the point of access to the ladder.
the bottom of the ladder must be between 7
■ Side rails and steps or rungs for side-step fixed
feet (2.1 m) and 8 feet (2.4 m).
ladders must be continuous in extension.
10 11
Defective Ladders ■ Stairways must be installed at least 30 degrees
Ladders needing repairs are subject to the —and no more than 50 degrees—from the
following rules: horizontal.
■ Portable ladders with structural defects—such ■ Variations in riser height or stair tread depth
as broken or missing rungs, cleats or steps, must not exceed 1/4 inch in any stairway
broken or split rails, corroded components or system, including any foundation structure
other faulty or defective components—must used as one or more treads of the stairs.
immediately be marked defective or tagged ■ Doors and gates opening directly onto a stair-
with "Do Not Use" or similar language and
way must have a platform that extends at least
withdrawn from service until repaired.
20 inches (51 cm) beyond the swing of the
■ Fixed ladders with structural defects—such door or gate.
as broken or missing rungs, cleats or steps, ■ Metal pan landings and metal pan treads must
broken or split rails or corroded components—
be secured in place before filling.
must be withdrawn from service until repaired.
■ Stairway parts must be free of dangerous
■ Defective fixed ladders are considered with-
projections such as protruding nails.
drawn from use when they are immediately
tagged with "Do Not Use" or similar language,
■ Slippery conditions on stairways must be
or marked in a manner that identifies them as corrected.
defective, or blocked—such as with a plywood ■ Workers must not use spiral stairways that will
attachment that spans several rungs. not be a permanent part of the structure.
■ Ladder repairs must restore the ladder to a
condition meeting its original design criteria
Temporary Stairs
The following requirements apply to stairways
before the ladder is returned to use.
used temporarily during construction.

Rules for Stairways Except during construction of the stairway,

■ Do not use stairways with metal pan landings
The rules covering stairways and their and treads if the treads and/or landings have
components generally depend on how and when not been filled in with concrete or other
stairs are used. Specifically, there are rules for materials unless the pans of the stairs and/or
stairs used during construction and stairs used landings are temporarily filled in with wood or
temporarily during construction, as well as rules other materials. All treads and landings must
governing stair rails and handrails. be replaced when worn below the top edge of
the pan.
Stairways Used During Construction ■ Do not use skeleton metal frame structures
The following requirements apply to all stairways and steps (where treads and/or landings will
used during construction: be installed later) unless the stairs are fitted
■ Stairways that will not be a permanent part with secured temporary treads and landings.
of the building under construction must have
Note: Temporary treads must be made of
landings at least 30 inches deep and 22 inches
wood or other solid material and installed the full
wide (76 x 56 cm) at every 12 feet (3.7 m) or
width and depth of the stair.
less of vertical rise.
12 13
Stair Rails ■ Screens or mesh, when used, must extend
The following general requirements apply to all from the top rail to the stairway step and along
stair rails: the opening between top rail supports.
■ Stairways with four or more risers or rising
more than 30 inches (76 cm) in height— Handrails
whichever is less—must be installed along Requirements for handrails are as follows:
each unprotected side or edge. When the top ■ Handrails and top rails of the stair rail systems
edge of a stair rail system also serves as a must be able to withstand, without failure, at
handrail, the height of the top edge must be least 200 pounds (890 n) of weight applied
no more than 37 inches (94 cm) nor less than within 2 inches (5 cm) of the top edge in any
36 inches (91.5 cm) from the upper surface of downward or outward direction, at any point
the stair rail to the surface of the tread. along the top edge.
■ Stair rails installed after March 15,1991, must ■ Handrails must not be more than 37 inches
be not less than 36 inches (91.5 cm) in height. (94 cm) high nor less than 30 inches (76 cm)
■ Top edges of stair rail systems used as from the upper surface of the handrail to the
handrails must not be more than 37 inches surface of the tread.
(94 cm) high nor less than 36 inches (91.5 cm) ■ Handrails must provide an adequate handhold
from the upper surface of the stair rail system for employees to grasp to prevent falls.
to the surface of the tread. (If installed before ■ Temporary handrails must have a minimum
March 15, 1991, not less than 30 inches
clearance of 3 inches (8 cm) between the
[76 cm]).
handrail and walls, stair rail systems and
■ Stair rail systems and handrails must be other objects.
surfaced to prevent injuries such as punctures ■ Stairways with four or more risers, or that
or lacerations and to keep clothing from
rise more than 30 inches (76 cm) in height—
snagging.
whichever is less—must have at least one
■ Ends of stair rail systems and handrails must handrail.
be built to prevent dangerous projections, such ■ Winding or spiral stairways must have a
as rails protruding beyond the end posts of the
handrail to prevent use of areas where the
system.
tread width is less than 6 inches (15 cm).
In addition,
■ Unprotected sides and edges of stairway Midrails
landings must have standard 42-inch (1.1 m) Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical
guardrail systems. members or equivalent intermediate structural
■ Intermediate vertical members, such as members must be provided between the top rail
balusters used as guardrails, must not be more and stairway steps to the stair rail system. When
than 19 inches (48 cm) apart. midrails are used, they must be located midway
between the top of the stair rail system and the
■ Other intermediate structural members, when
stairway steps.
used, must be installed so that no openings
are more than 19 inches (48 cm) wide.

14 15
Training Requirements

Employers must train all employees to recog- point of access — All areas used by employees
nize hazards related to ladders and stairways, and for work-related passage from one area or level
instruct them to minimize these hazards. For to another.
example, employers must ensure that each portable ladder — A ladder that can be readily
employee is trained by a competent person in the moved or carried.
following areas, as applicable:
riser height — The vertical distance from the top
■ Nature of fall hazards in the work area;
of a tread or platform/landing to the top of the
■ Correct procedures for erecting, maintaining next higher tread or platform/landing.
and disassembling the fall protection systems
side-step fixed ladder — A fixed ladder that
to be used;
requires a person to get off at the top to step to the
■ Proper construction, use, placement and care side of the ladder side rails to reach the landing.
in handling of all stairways and ladders; and
single-cleat ladder — A ladder consisting of a pair
■ Maximum intended load-carrying capacities of of side rails connected together by cleats, rungs
ladders used. or steps.
Note: Employers must retrain each employee stair rail system — A vertical barrier erected along
as necessary to maintain their understanding and the unprotected sides and edges of a stairway to
knowledge on the safe use and construction of prevent employees from falling to lower levels.
ladders and stairs.
temporary service stairway — A stairway where
permanent treads and/or landings are to be filled
Glossary
in at a later date.
cleat — A ladder crosspiece of rectangular cross through fixed ladder — A fixed ladder that
section placed on edge upon which a person may requires a person getting off at the top to step
step while ascending or descending a ladder. between the side rails of the ladder to reach the
landing.
double-cleat ladder — A ladder with a center rail
to allow simultaneous two-way traffic for employ- tread depth — The horizontal distance from front
ees ascending or descending. to back of a tread, excluding nosing, if any.
failure — Load refusal, breakage or separation
of components.
OSHA Assistance
fixed ladder — A ladder that cannot be readily OSHA can provide extensive help through a
moved or carried because it is an integral part of a variety of programs, including technical assistance
building or structure. about effective safety and health programs, state
handrail — A rail used to provide employees with plans, workplace consultations, voluntary protec-
a handhold for support. tion programs, strategic partnerships, and training
job-made ladder — A ladder that is fabricated by and education, and more. An overall commitment
employees, typically at the construction site; non- to workplace safety and health can add value to
commercially manufactured. your business, to your workplace, and to your life.

load refusal — The point where the structural

members lose their ability to carry the load.

16 17
Safety and Health Program with their own OSHA-approved occupational
Management Guidelines safety and health plans must adopt standards
Effective management of worker safety and health identical to, or at least as effective as, the federal
protection is a decisive factor in reducing the standards.
extent and severity of work-related injuries and ill-
nesses and their related costs. In fact, an effective Consultation Services
safety and health program forms the basis of Consultation assistance is available on request to
good worker protection and can save time and employers who want help in establishing and
money—about $4 for every dollar spent—and maintaining a safe and healthful workplace.
increase productivity and reduce worker injuries, Largely funded by OSHA, the service is provided
illnesses and related workers’ compensation costs. at no cost to the employer. Primarily developed
To assist employers and employees in devel- for smaller employers with more hazardous
oping effective safety and health programs, OSHA operations, the consultation service is delivered
published recommended Safety and Health by state governments employing professional
Program Management Guidelines (Federal safety and health consultants. Comprehensive
Register 54 (16): 3904-3916, January 26, 1989). assistance includes an appraisal of all mechanical
These voluntary guidelines can be applied to all systems, work practices, and occupational safety
places of employment covered by OSHA. and health hazards of the workplace and all
The guidelines identify four general elements aspects of the employer’s present job safety and
critical to the development of a successful safety health program. In addition, the service offers
and health management system: assistance to employers in developing and
■ Management leadership and employee implementing an effective safety and health
involvement, program. No penalties are proposed or citations
issued for hazards identified by the consultant.
■ Workaday analysis,
OSHA provides consultation assistance to the
■ Hazard prevention and control, and employer with the assurance that his or her name
■ Safety and health training. and firm and any information about the workplace
The guidelines recommend specific actions, will not be routinely reported to OSHA enforce-
under each of these general elements, to achieve ment staff.
an effective safety and health program. The Under the consultation program, certain
Federal Register notice is available online at exemplary employers may request participation
www.osha.gov. in OSHA’s Safety and Health Achievement
Recognition Program (SHARP). Eligibility for
State Programs participation in SHARP includes receiving a
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 comprehensive consultation visit, demonstrating
(OSH Act) encourages states to develop and oper- exemplary achievements in workplace safety and
ate their own job safety and health plans. OSHA health by abating all identified hazards, and devel-
approves and monitors these plans. There are cur- oping an excellent safety and health program.
rently 26 state plans: 23 cover both private and Employers accepted into SHARP may receive
public (state and local government) employment; an exemption from programmed inspections (not
3 states, Connecticut, New Jersey and New York, complaint or accident investigation inspections)
cover the public sector only. States and territories for a period of 1 year.
18 19
Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) OSHA to prevent injuries and illnesses in the
Voluntary Protection Programs and onsite consul- workplace. OSHA and its allies work together to
tation services, when coupled with an effective reach out to, educate, and lead the nation’s
enforcement program, expand worker protection employers and their employees in improving and
to help meet the goals of the OSH Act. The three advancing workplace safety and health.
VPP—Star, Merit, and Demonstration—are Alliances are open to all, including trade or
designed to recognize outstanding achievements professional organizations, businesses, labor
by companies that have successfully incorporated organizations, educational institutions, and gov-
comprehensive safety and health programs into ernment agencies. In some cases, organizations
their total management system. The VPP motivate may be building on existing relationships with
others to achieve excellent safety and health OSHA through other cooperative programs.
results in the same outstanding way as they There are few formal program requirements
establish a cooperative relationship between for alliances, which are less structured than other
employers, employees, and OSHA. cooperative agreements, and the agreements do
For additional information on VPP and how to not include an enforcement component. However,
apply, contact the OSHA regional offices listed at OSHA and the participating organizations must
the end of this publication. define, implement, and meet a set of short- and
long-term goals that fall into three categories:
Strategic Partnership Program training and education; outreach and communica-
OSHA’s Strategic Partnership Program, the newest tion; and promotion of the national dialogue on
member of OSHA’s cooperative programs, helps workplace safety and health.
encourage, assist, and recognize the efforts of
partners to eliminate serious workplace hazards Training and Education
and achieve a high level of worker safety and OSHA’s area offices offer a variety of information
health. Whereas OSHA’s Consultation Program services, such as compliance assistance,
and VPP entail one-on-one relationships between technical advice, publications, audiovisual aids
OSHA and individual work sites, most strategic and speakers for special engagements. OSHA’s
partnerships seek to have a broader impact by Training Institute in Arlington Heights, Ill., provides
building cooperative relationships with groups of basic and advanced courses in safety and health
employers and employees. These partnerships for federal and state compliance officers, state
are voluntary, cooperative relationships between consultants, federal agency personnel, and
OSHA, employers, employee representatives, and private sector employers, employees, and their
others (e.g., trade unions, trade and professional representatives.
associations, universities, and other government The OSHA Training Institute also has estab-
agencies). lished OSHA Training Institute Education Centers
For more information on this and other coop- to address the increased demand for its courses
erative programs, contact your nearest OSHA from the private sector and from other federal
office, or visit OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov. agencies. These centers are nonprofit colleges,
universities, and other organizations that have
Alliance Program been selected after a competition for participation
Alliances enable organizations committed to in the program.
workplace safety and health to collaborate with
20 21
 OSHA also provides funds to nonprofit organi- website at www.osha.gov or contact the
zations, through grants, to conduct workplace OSHA Publications Office
training and education in subjects where OSHA U.S. Department of Labor
believes there is a lack of workplace training. 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, N-3101
Grants are awarded annually. Grant recipients are Washington, DC 20210
expected to contribute 20 percent of the total Telephone (202) 693-1888 or
grant cost. fax to (202) 693-2498.
For more information on grants, training and
education, contact the OSHA Training Institute, Emergencies, Complaints
Office of Training and Education, 2020 South or Further Assistance
Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL To report an emergency, file a complaint or seek
60005, (847) 297-4810, or see Outreach on OSHA’s OSHA advice, assistance or products, call (800)
website at www.osha.gov. 321-OSHA or contact your nearest OSHA regional
For further information on any OSHA program, or area office listed at the end of this publication.
contact your nearest OSHA area or regional office The teletypewriter (TTY) number is (877) 889-5627.
listed at the end of this publication. You can also file a complaint online and obtain
more information on OSHA federal and state
Electronic Information programs by visiting OSHA’s website at
OSHA has a variety of materials and tools avail- www.osha.gov.
able on its website www.osha.gov. These include
e-Tools such as Expert Advisors, Electronic OSHA Regional Offices
Compliance Assistance Tools (e-cats), Technical
Links; regulations, directives and publications; Region I
videos and other information for employers and (CT,* ME, MA, NH, RI, VT*)
employees. OSHA’s software programs and JFK Federal Building, Room E340
compliance assistance tools walk you through Boston, MA 02203
challenging safety and health issues and common (617) 565-9860
problems to find the best solutions for your
workplace. Region II
OSHA’s CD-ROM includes standards, (NJ,* NY,* PR,* VI*)
interpretations, directives, and more and can 201 Varick Street, Room 670
be purchased on CD-ROM from the U.S. New York, NY 10014
Government Printing Office. To order, write to the (212) 337-2378
Superintendent of Documents
P.O. Box 371954 Region III
Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954 (DE, DC, MD,* PA,* VA,* WV)
or phone (202) 512-1800, The Curtis Center
or order online at http://bookstore.gpo.gov. 170 S. Independence Mall West
Suite 740 West
OSHA Publications Philadelphia, PA 19106-3309
OSHA has an extensive publications program. (215) 861-4900
For a listing of free or sales items, visit OSHA’s
22 23
Region IV Region IX
(AL, FL, GA, KY,* MS, NC,* SC,* TN*) (American Samoa, AZ,* CA,* HI, NV,* Northern
61 Forsyth Street, SW, Room 6T50 Mariana Islands)
Atlanta, GA 30303 71 Stevenson Street, Room 420
(404) 562-2300 San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 975-4310
Region V
(IL, IN,* MI,* MN,* OH, WI) Region X
230 South Dearborn Street, Room 3244 (AK,* ID, OR,* WA*)
Chicago, IL 60604 1111 Third Avenue, Suite 715
(312) 353-2220 Seattle, WA 98101-3212
(206) 553-5930
Region VI
(AR, LA, NM,* OK, TX) *These states and territories operate their own
525 Griffin Street, Room 602 OSHA-approved job safety and health programs
Dallas, TX 75202 (Connecticut, New Jersey and New York plans
(214) 767-4731 or 4736 x224 cover public employees only). States with approved
programs must have a standard that is identical to, or
Region VII at least as effective as, the federal standard.
(IA,* KS, MO, NE)
City Center Square Note: To get contact information for OSHA Area Offices,
1100 Main Street, Suite 800 OSHA-approved State Plans and OSHA consultation
Kansas City, MO 64105 projects, please visit us online at www.osha.gov or call
(816) 426-5861 us at (800) 321-OSHA (6742).

Region VIII
(CO, MT, ND, SD, UT,* WY*)
1999 Broadway, Suite 1690
P.O. Box 46550
Denver, CO 80201-6550
(303) 844-1600

24 25
www.osha.gov