Ladder Safety Using the Right Tool for the Job
Overview
Ladders are common tools in almost every workplace, yet ladder falls cause thousands of serious injuries and deaths annually. Selecting the right ladder for each task, inspecting it properly, and using it correctly are essential skills for every worker.
Why This Is Important
Ladder falls happen quickly and result in serious injuries including fractures, head trauma, and spinal injuries. Many incidents occur because workers use the wrong type of ladder, use damaged equipment, or position ladders incorrectly. These mistakes are entirely preventable through proper training and attention. Understanding ladder ratings, types, and proper use ensures you select equipment appropriate for your task and body weight. Taking a few extra minutes to set up a ladder correctly can prevent a lifetime of injury and regret.
Best Practices & Safety Tips
Check Load Rating
Select ladders rated for your weight plus tools and materials—Type I (250 lbs), Type IA (300 lbs), Type IAA (375 lbs)
Choose Right Type
Choose the right ladder type for your task: step ladders for low heights, extension ladders for reaching high areas
Inspect Before Use
Inspect ladders before each use—check for damaged rungs, rails, feet, locks, and other components
Proper Angle
Position extension ladders at the proper angle: 1 foot out from the wall for every 4 feet of height (75-degree angle)
Additional Safety Tips
- Ensure ladder feet are on stable, level surfaces and use leg levelers on uneven ground.
- Extend extension ladder tops at least 3 feet above the landing surface you’re accessing.
- Maintain three points of contact when climbing—two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand.
- Never stand on the top two rungs of a straight ladder or the top step of a step ladder.
- Keep your body centered between the ladder rails—don’t overreach or lean to the side.
- Secure ladders at the top and bottom when possible to prevent movement during use.
Discussion Questions
- What ladder types do we use most frequently, and are they appropriate for our tasks?
- When was the last time you inspected a ladder before using it?
- What ladder hazards have you observed in our workplace?
- How can we improve ladder selection, inspection, and use practices?
- What alternatives to ladders might be safer for some of our repetitive tasks?
Takeaway
Ladders are valuable tools when used correctly, but they require respect and proper technique. By selecting appropriate ladders, inspecting them carefully, and using them according to manufacturer specifications, we can prevent most ladder-related injuries.