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 Select the safest equipment for the job
- Are you using the right ladder for the specific job?
- Do you need to consider a personnel lift or scaffolding instead?
Think first: The safest option may not always be a ladder.
L Look for Damaged or Missing Parts Inspect the ladder before every use
Inspect structural integrity, rungs, feet, and locking mechanisms before stepping onto any ladder.
Before Use: Do not use a ladder with damaged, loose, or missing components.
I Implement a Safe Setup Start with stable ground and a clear area
Ensure solid, level ground placement and clear the surrounding area of hazards before climbing.
Good Practice: Confirm the ladder is stable and the area around the base is clear before beginning work.
M Move Carefully Maintain control while climbing and working
- 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 the equipment, hazards, and safe practices
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.
Important: Do not use a step ladder unless it is fully opened and locked.
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 and hazards.
- Secure base: Ensure the ladder rests on a stable, level surface.
Good Practice: Inspect, position, and secure the ladder before every use.
Ladder Safety Don'ts
- Don't overreach: Keep your belt buckle inside the side rails.
- Don't ignore power lines: Avoid using metal or 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 third point of contact.
- Don't stack: Never place a ladder on top of an aerial lift, platform, or scaffold for extra height.
- Don't set up in clutter: Avoid setting up in messy or high-traffic areas without barricades.
Safety Warning: Never improvise additional ladder height by placing a ladder on another elevated surface.
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.
Common Pattern: Most ladder incidents can be prevented by choosing the right ladder, setting it up correctly, and maintaining proper contact.
Required Training
Access Online Training Modules
Available Training Resources
Ladder Safety Do's & Don'ts Ladder Safety Full Course Ladder Safety Review
Ladder Safety Do's & Don'ts Ladder Safety Full Course Ladder Safety Review