Ladder Safety

Date: 2026-02-18

Duration: [DURATION] minutes

Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME]

Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

To ensure all employees understand the correct procedures for using ladders safely, including inspection, setup, climbing, and fall protection.

Introduction

Falls from ladders are a leading cause of injuries in the workplace. This toolbox talk will cover key safety practices to prevent falls and ensure ladders are used correctly.

Key Points

• Pre-Use Inspection: Before each use, inspect the ladder for any signs of damage, including loose rungs, damaged side rails, and worn or missing anti-slip feet. Remove any damaged ladder from service immediately. [1]
• Proper Ladder Angle: When setting up an extension ladder, use the 4:1 rule: for every four feet of height, the base of the ladder should be one foot away from the wall. This ensures a stable climbing angle. [3]
• Three-Point Contact: Always maintain three points of contact with the ladder – two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand. This provides stability while climbing. [1]
• Extension Above Landing: When using a ladder to access an elevated surface, the ladder must extend at least three feet above the landing point. This provides a secure handhold when transitioning onto or off the ladder. [3]
• Duty Rating: Ensure the ladder's duty rating (load capacity) is sufficient for your weight plus the weight of any tools or materials you are carrying. [2]
• Electrical Safety: Never use a metal ladder near electrical sources. Fiberglass ladders are a safer option when working around electricity. Maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from power lines. [4]

Hazard Identification

Ladders, while common tools, present several hazards if not used properly. Understanding these hazards is the first step in preventing accidents.

• Improper Ladder Setup: Ladder can slip or tip over, leading to falls and injuries.
• Damaged Ladder: Structural failure of the ladder, causing falls. (Risk: High)
• Overreaching: Loss of balance and falls from the ladder.
• Electrical Hazards: Electrocution if using a metal ladder near power lines. (Risk: High)
• Slippery Conditions: Loss of footing and falls.

Control Measures

• Inspect ladders before each use.: Check for damaged or missing parts, loose rungs, and slippery surfaces. Remove damaged ladders from service. [1]
• Set up ladders on a stable and level surface.: Ensure the ground is firm and free of obstructions. Use ladder levelers if necessary. [1]
• Maintain three points of contact while climbing.: Keep two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, in contact with the ladder at all times. [1]
• Avoid overreaching.: Reposition the ladder as needed to stay within easy reach of your work. [7]
• Secure the ladder.: Tie off the top of the ladder to a stable anchor point to prevent it from slipping. [3]
• Use the correct ladder for the job.: Select a ladder with the appropriate height and load capacity for the task. [1]

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• Gloves: Wear work gloves to improve grip and protect hands from splinters or rough surfaces.
• Slip-Resistant Footwear: Wear shoes with slip-resistant soles to prevent slips on ladder rungs. [5]
• Hard Hat: Wear a hard hat to protect against head injuries from falling objects.

Real-World Example or Case Study

Raul was descending a 24-foot extension ladder when it slipped, causing him to fall 12 feet onto a concrete surface. He suffered head injuries and a broken hand. This incident highlights the importance of proper ladder setup and securing the ladder to prevent slippage. [3]

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

1. What is the most common ladder safety issue you see in your workplace?
2. Have you ever had a near miss or incident involving a ladder? What happened?
3. What steps can we take to improve ladder safety on our job site?

Emergency Procedures

1. In case of a fall, immediately assess the injured person and provide first aid.
2. Call for emergency medical assistance if the injury is serious.
3. Report the incident to your supervisor and complete an incident report.

Questions and Answers

• Q: What should I do if I find a damaged ladder?

A: Remove it from service immediately and tag it as 'Do Not Use' until it can be repaired or discarded. [4]

• Q: How do I know if a ladder is at the correct angle?

A: Use the 4:1 rule: for every four feet of height, the base of the ladder should be one foot away from the wall. You can also use the NIOSH Ladder Safety app. [3]

• Q: Can I use a stepladder as an extension ladder?

A: No, stepladders should only be used in the fully open position. [6]

Summary

Recap of main points:

• Always inspect ladders before use. [6]
• Set up ladders at the correct angle and on a stable surface. [1]
• Maintain three points of contact while climbing. [1]
• Never overreach or carry heavy loads while on a ladder.
• Use the right ladder for the job and ensure it's in good condition. [1]

Action Items

Specific actions participants should take:

1. Inspect all ladders before use and report any defects.
2. Practice proper ladder setup techniques.
3. Always maintain three points of contact while climbing.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

Safety powered by SALUS