Why Ladder Safety Matters
Falls from ladders are one of the leading causes of occupational fatalities. Approximately 300 workers die and 165,000 are injured from ladder-related incidents every year in the United States.
The good news: nearly all ladder accidents are preventable through proper selection, inspection, setup, and use. This module covers the fundamentals that keep you safe every time you climb.
Choosing the Right Ladder
- Type: Use stepladders for self-supported work; extension ladders for reaching elevated surfaces; platform ladders for tasks requiring a stable standing surface.
- Duty Rating: Check the label. The rated load must exceed your body weight plus all tools and materials you will carry. Type IA (300 lbs) or Type IAA (375 lbs) for heavy industrial use.
- Material: Use fiberglass ladders near electrical hazards — never aluminum.
- Length: The ladder must be long enough to extend at least 3 feet above the top landing point for extension ladders.
Inspect Before Every Use
A pre-use inspection takes less than 60 seconds and can prevent a fatal fall. Check for:
- Cracked, bent, or missing rungs or rails
- Damaged or missing feet (non-slip pads)
- Loose or missing hardware
- Paint covering cracks (a sign of a disguised defect)
- Oil, grease, or mud on rungs
If defects are found, tag the ladder "Out of Service" and remove it immediately. Never repair a damaged ladder in the field.
Setup and Positioning
- 4:1 Rule: For every 4 feet of ladder height, move the base 1 foot away from the wall (approximately 75° angle).
- Stable surface: Place feet on firm, level ground. Never use boxes, pallets, or loose fill to gain height.
- Secure at top and bottom: Tie off the top to a stable anchor point whenever possible. Use ladder levelers on uneven ground.
- 3-foot rule: Extension ladders must extend at least 3 feet above the roof edge or landing.
- Keep away from traffic: If near a doorway or walkway, barricade or post a spotter.
Climbing Safely — 3 Points of Contact
- Always maintain 3 points of contact — two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand — while ascending and descending.
- Face the ladder at all times when climbing up or down.
- Do not carry items in your hands. Use a tool belt, bucket hoist, or have a helper pass items up.
- One person per ladder at a time, unless the ladder is specifically designed for two-person use.
- Do not overreach. Keep your belt buckle between the side rails. Move the ladder instead of stretching.
- Never stand on the top two rungs of a stepladder or the top three rungs of an extension ladder.
Knowledge Check
Answer all 5 questions. A score of 70% or higher is required to complete this training.