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Instruction labels on step ladders

Summary A member of the public asked about instruction and warning labels on a four-foot step ladder. OSHA said its ladder standards did not require manufacturers to attach such labels, though manufacturers used them to explain safe use and address liability concerns. OSHA archives the letter.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1983-07-25
Date issued
July 25, 1983
Status
Archived by the agency
OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy.
Status last verified October 10, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1910 Ladders Warning Signs Equipment Safety
Source
View the official document

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OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy. It may no longer reflect the agency's current position. Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance, and verify current law before relying on anything here.
About this page: The full text below is the official document from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Ezel adds the plain-English summary and tracks the document's status. The official source linked on this page is authoritative for any reliance.

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

July 25, 1983

Mr. Clinton Krauss
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Krauss:

This is in response to your letter to President Reagan of May 6, 1983, concerning instruction and warning labels on a four-foot step ladder. Please accept my apology for the delay in responding.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ladder standards do not require manufacturers to label ladders with instructions and warnings. Manufacturers of ladders attach the labels to provide information for safe use, and to protect themselves in liability action from any misuse of the ladder.

I hope this information is helpful to you. If I may be of further assistance, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Bruce Hillenbrand
Acting Director, Federal Compliance
and State Programs

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