Ladder Safety
Ladder injuries are responsible for over 500k+ falls each year, which result in over 300 deaths. The cost of ladder falls is roughly $24B. The top causes? Missing the last step and overreaching. This page outlines guidelines for staying safe at work but can be applied to safe ladder use at home too.
Think Before You C.L.I.M.B.
C — Choose the Right Ladder
- Are you using the right ladder for the specific job?
- Do you need to consider a personnel lift or scaffolding instead?
L — Look for Damaged or Missing Parts
Inspect structural integrity, rungs, feet, and locking mechanisms before stepping onto any ladder.
I — Implement a Safe Setup
Ensure solid, level ground placement and clear the surrounding area of hazards before climbing.
M — Move Carefully
- Prevent overreaching outside the side rails.
- Carry tools in a tool belt or use a rope to raise them to your level.
- Avoid carrying items directly in your hands while climbing up or down.
B — Become a Ladder Safety Expert
Know your equipment, recognize potential risks, and execute a plan to keep yourself and nearby co-workers safe.
Ladder Types
Lean Safe Ladders
Designed specifically to allow safe leaning against flat walls, corners, or studs.
Step Ladders
Self-supporting ladders that must only be used in a fully open and locked position.
Best Practices & Common Mistakes
Ladder Safety Do's
- Inspect BEFORE use: Check for damage, loose parts, and stability.
- Select correctly: Choose based on required height, load capacity, and construction material.
- Maintain contact: Keep 3 points of contact at all times (2 hands + 1 foot, or 1 hand + 2 feet).
- Maintain & store: Regularly service equipment and store it safely away from weather/hazards.
- Secure base: Ensure the ladder rests on a stable, level surface.
Ladder Safety Don'ts
- Don't overreach: Keep your belt buckle inside the side rails.
- Don't ignore power lines: Avoid using metal/conductive ladders near electrical hazards.
- Don't skip steps: Watch your footing to avoid missing the bottom step.
- Don't misuse contact points: Never rely on your torso as a 3rd point of contact.
- Don't stack: Never place a ladder on top of an aerial lift, platform, or scaffold for extra height.
- Don't setup in clutter: Avoid setting up in messy or high-traffic areas without barricades.
Top 5 Most Common Ladder Mistakes
- Using a ladder that isn't the right size for the job.
- Setting up on an uneven or unlevel base.
- Failing to maintain 3 points of contact.
- Overreaching while working on the ladder.
- Missing the last step when descending.
Required Training
Access Online Training Modules