Don’t Fall for It: Essential Ladder Safety Tips – Inspecting, Using and Maintaining

Did you know? Falls from heights resulting in days away from work occur on ladders 32% of the time, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Safety Council (NSC). Review these essential ladder safety tips with your team.

Inspecting ladders

Before using any ladder, inspect it. Look for the following faults:

• Loose or missing rungs or cleats;
• Loose nails, bolts, screws;
• Wood splinters or damaged edges;
• Cracked, broken, split, dented, or badly worn rungs, cleats, or side rails; and
• Corrosion of metal ladders or metal parts. If you find a ladder in poor condition, tag the ladder and take it out of service. If repairs are not feasible, the defective ladder should be removed from the job site.

Using ladders

Choose the right type and size ladder. Except where stairways, ramps, or runways are provided, use a ladder to go from one level to another. Keep these points in mind:

1. Be sure straight ladders are long enough so that the side rails extend above the top support point, by at least 36 inches.
2. Don’t set up ladders in areas such as doorways or walkways where others may run into them, unless they are protected by barriers. Keep the area around the top and base of the ladder clear. Don’t run hoses, extension cords, or ropes on a ladder and create an obstruction.
3. Don’t try to increase the height of a ladder by standing it on boxes, barrels or other materials. Don’t try to splice two ladders together.
4. Do not apply personal or job stickers/decals.
5. Set the ladder on solid footing against a solid support. Don’t try to use a stepladder as a straight ladder.
6. Place the base of straight ladders out away from the wall or edge of the upper level about 1 foot for every 4 feet of vertical height. Don’t use ladders as a platform, runway or scaffold.
7. Tie in, block or otherwise secure the top of straight ladders to prevent them from shifting.
8. To avoid slipping on a ladder, check your shoes for oil, grease or mud and wipe it off before climbing.
9. Always face the ladder and hold on with both hands when climbing up or down. Don’t try to carry tools or materials with you.
10. Don’t lean out to the side when you’re on a ladder. If something is out of reach, get down and move the ladder over.
11. Most ladders are designed to hold only one person at a time. Use by two workers may cause the ladder to fail or throw the ladder off balance.

Care of ladders

Sue these essential ladder safety tips and take good care of ladders and they’ll take care of you. Store them in well-ventilated areas, away from dampness. Learn more about safety procedures with RedVector's Online Safety Training.