Ladder Safety

Ladders are so common on jobsites that workers stop treating them as a hazard. The familiar becomes invisible, and that's when people fall. Most ladder fatalities happen on ladders under 10 feet, from improper setup or positioning that takes seconds to fix.

1. Three points of contact at all times: two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand. Face the ladder while climbing.
2. Set the ladder at the correct angle: the '4:1 rule': for every 4 feet of height, the base is 1 foot from the wall (about 75 degrees).
3. Extend the ladder at least 3 feet above the landing point. Never step off at a level without proper ladder support.
4. Secure ladders at the top AND bottom before climbing. On smooth floors, use ladder feet or have a second person hold the base.
5. Inspect every ladder before use: check rungs for damage, feet for wear, and side rails for cracks or bends. Tag and remove damaged ladders.
6. Never carry tools or materials in your hands while climbing. Use a tool belt, bucket hook, or hoist line.
7. Do not stand on the top two rungs of a stepladder or the top rung of an extension ladder.