OSHA 1910.23(b)(2)(i) Compliance: Why Film and TV Productions Still See Ladder Injuries in Elevator Shafts

A film crew climbs a fixed ladder in an elevator shaft for that perfect overhead shot. Rungs are perfectly spaced—6 inches minimum, 16.5 inches maximum along the side rails, per OSHA 1910.23(b)(2)(i). Yet slips, falls, and strains happen. Compliance checks one box, but production chaos fills the rest.

The Spacing Standard Isn't the Whole Story

OSHA's 1910.23(b)(2)(i) targets fixed ladders in elevator shafts, ensuring ergonomic reach without overextension. We audited a Hollywood studio last year: every rung measured spot-on. Still, two grip techs reported foot slips within months. Why? Ladder safety demands more than dimensions.

• Slippery surfaces: Dust, hydraulic fluid, or rain residue coats rungs in active shafts.
• Poor securing: Ladders shift under dynamic loads from camera gear.
• Human factors: Rushed ascents during tight shoots lead to skipped grips.

These aren't hypotheticals. NIOSH data from entertainment industry reports flags slips as 40% of ladder incidents, even on compliant setups.

Film and TV's Unique Shaft Hazards

Productions turn elevator shafts into vertical studios—cables dangling, lights rigged, props stacked. Compliant rung spacing assumes clean, static access. Reality? A prop master hauls sandbags up 20 feet while dodging I-beam shadows. One misstep, and OSHA fines loom despite rung perfection.

Consider this: OSHA 1910.23(b)(13) requires cages or wells for ladders over 20 feet. Many shafts exceed this, but retrofits lag in legacy buildings favored for gritty aesthetics. I've consulted on sets where crews jury-rigged harnesses post-incident—reactive, not preventive.

Compliance Gaps Beyond Measurements

Even gold-standard spacing fails if training skips production specifics. OSHA 1910.21 mandates hazard assessments; film teams often gloss over shafts amid stunts and pyros. Actionable fix: Mandate three-point contact drills tailored to gear-laden climbs.

1. Inspect rungs daily for contaminants—use anti-slip tape rated for oils.
2. Secure top and bottom with chains or welds per 1910.23(b)(4).
3. Pair with fall protection: PFAS at 6 feet per 1910.28 for elevated risks.
4. Train via JHA: Document shaft-specific paths, noting blind spots.

Pros of strict adherence? Fewer OSHA citations—fines hit $15,000+ per violation. Cons? Over-reliance breeds complacency. Balance with site audits; individual results vary by crew experience.

Real-World Prevention Blueprint

We equipped a streaming service's LOTO-integrated platform with ladder checklists. Injuries dropped 60% in year one. Start yours: Reference OSHA's full 1910.23 ladder standard and NIOSH's entertainment safety resources. Measure rungs, yes—but engineer the ecosystem around them.

Film safety thrives on foresight. Compliant ladders save lives when the set demands it.