Ladder Safety and Fall Prevention

Date: 2025-09-09

Duration: [DURATION] minutes

Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME]

Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

To provide employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely use ladders and prevent falls in the workplace.

Introduction

Falls from ladders are a leading cause of workplace injuries. This toolbox talk will cover key safety regulations and practical measures to prevent falls and ensure safe ladder use.

Key Points

• Ladder Selection: Select the right type and size of ladder for the job. Consider the height, load capacity, and duty rating. Ensure the ladder is long enough to safely reach the work area without overreaching. Use a ladder designed for your task. Consider the strength, type, length and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approval.
  • Type IA (Extra Heavy Duty) - 300 lbs
  • Type I (Heavy Duty) - 250 lbs
  • Type II (Medium Duty) - 225 lbs
  • Type III (Light Duty) - 200 lbs
• Ladder Inspection: Inspect ladders before each use for any signs of damage or defects. Check rungs, side rails, feet, and locking mechanisms. Any ladder with structural or other defects is immediately tagged "Dangerous: Do Not Use" or with similar language in accordance with § 1910.145 and removed from service until repaired in accordance with § 1910.22(d), or replaced;. [2]
  • Cracked or broken rungs or side rails
  • Loose or missing rungs
  • Damaged or worn feet
  • Malfunctioning locking mechanisms
• Proper Ladder Setup: Set up ladders on a stable and level surface. Ensure the ladder's feet are firmly planted and will not slip. Ladders shall be used only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental displacement. [3]
  • Use ladder levelers on uneven surfaces.
  • Secure the ladder at the top and bottom to prevent movement.
  • Never place a ladder on boxes or unstable bases.
• Three-Point Contact: Maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand). This provides stability and reduces the risk of falling. Each employee uses at least one hand to grasp the ladder when progressing up and/or down the ladder. [4]
  • Avoid carrying tools or materials in your hands while climbing.
  • Use a tool belt or hoist to transport items.
  • Focus on maintaining a secure grip and footing.
• Safe Climbing Practices: Face the ladder when climbing up or down. Move slowly and deliberately, and avoid rushing. Do not wear loose clothing, jewellery, or anything else that may catch while climbing. [6]
  • Keep your body centered between the side rails.
  • Avoid leaning or overreaching.
  • Never climb higher than the second rung from the top on a stepladder or the third rung from the top on an extension ladder.
• Ladder Angle: Set up non-self-supporting ladders at the correct angle. The horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder should be approximately one-quarter of the working length of the ladder. Non-self-supporting ladders shall be used at an angle such that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is approximately one-quarter of the working length of the ladder (the distance along the ladder between the foot and the top support). [3]

Hazard Identification

• Falls from height due to unstable ladder setup: Serious injuries, fractures, head trauma, or death. (Risk: High)
• Ladder collapse due to defects or overloading: Falls, lacerations, crush injuries. (Risk: High)
• Electric shock from using metal ladders near power lines: Burns, cardiac arrest, death. (Risk: Critical)
• Falling objects striking workers below: Head injuries, contusions, fractures. (Risk: Medium)
• Overreaching or losing balance on the ladder: Sprains, strains, fractures. (Risk: Medium)

Control Measures

• Implement a ladder inspection program: Train employees to inspect ladders before each use. Remove damaged ladders from service immediately.
• Ensure proper ladder selection: Match the ladder type and size to the specific task and work environment.
• Enforce three-point contact rule: Provide training and supervision to ensure employees maintain three points of contact while climbing.
• Use fall protection equipment: When working at heights of 3 metres (10 feet) or more, use a safety belt or harness with the lanyard tied appropriately to the structure.
• Secure ladders properly: Tie off extensions or straight ladders at the top and secure bottom to prevent them from slipping.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• Gloves: Wear gloves to improve grip and protect hands from cuts and abrasions. Wearing footwear with heels can help to stop the foot from slipping forward. [1]
  • Select gloves that provide adequate grip and dexterity.
• Slip-Resistant Footwear: Wear slip-resistant footwear to prevent slips and falls on ladder rungs. Before mounting a ladder, clean the boot soles if they are muddy or slippery. Avoid climbing with wet soles. Ensure that footwear is in good condition. [5]
  • Check footwear regularly for wear and tear.
• Safety Glasses: Use safety glasses to protect eyes from dust, debris, or other potential hazards.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

1. What are the most common ladder-related hazards you have observed?
2. What steps can we take to improve ladder safety in our workplace?
3. How can we ensure that all employees are properly trained on ladder safety?

Emergency Procedures

1. In case of a fall, immediately call for medical assistance.
2. Do not move the injured worker unless there is an immediate danger.
3. Document the incident and investigate the cause to prevent future occurrences.

Summary

Recap of main points:

• Always inspect ladders before use.
• Maintain three points of contact while climbing.
• Use the right ladder for the job and set it up properly.
• Wear appropriate PPE and follow safe climbing practices.

Remember: Ladder Safety: Climb Safe, Work Safe, Stay Safe.

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

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