Falls from ladders are a leading cause of occupational fatalities and injuries, making ladder safety crucial in the workplace. To prevent falls and injuries, it is important to follow safety regulations and guidelines for ladder use. [5]

Employers must train workers to recognize and minimize ladder-related hazards. [1]

Key considerations include choosing the right ladder for the job, inspecting it before use, setting it up properly, maintaining three points of contact, and avoiding unsafe practices.

Selecting the Right Ladder:

• Consider whether the ladder will be used indoors or outdoors.
• Determine if it will be used near electricity.
• Assess the weight it needs to hold, including tools and materials.
• Consider any obstacles and the heights needed to access. [2]

Ladder Inspection:

• Inspect ladders before each use for any defects or missing parts.
• Check for loose, cracked, or greasy rungs, split side rails, and worn shoes.
• Ensure rung locks are in working order.
• Verify the anti-slip safety feet are intact.
• Confirm the weight capacity rating is listed on the ladder. [2] [4] [2] [2]

Ladder Setup:

• Clear away debris and obstructions.
• Block off the area around the bottom of the ladder.
• Set the ladder on dry, level ground.
• Ensure the ladder extends three feet above the point of support when accessing a porch or roof. [4] [4] [2]

Safe Climbing Practices:

• Maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times (two hands and one foot, or one hand and two feet).
• Face the ladder when climbing up or down.
• Keep your body centered between the ladder's side rails.
• Carry tools in a tool belt or hoist tools instead of carrying them in hand. [2] [2] [3] [2]

Unsafe Practices to Avoid:

• Do not stand on the top step of a stepladder or the top three rungs of an extension ladder.
• Avoid leaning or overreaching to the sides of the ladder.
• Never place a ladder on an uneven surface or on top of another ladder.
• Do not move the ladder while someone is standing on it.
• Never use a stepladder in a closed position. [2] [2] [2] [2] [2]

Additional Safety Measures:

• Use ladders only for their designed purpose.
• Keep ladders free of slippery materials.
• Secure ladders to prevent displacement, especially in high-traffic areas.
• Be aware of electrical hazards and avoid using metal ladders near power lines. [1] [1] [6] [5]

By adhering to these safety regulations and guidelines, workplaces can significantly reduce the risk of falls and injuries associated with ladder use.