Falling from an elevated surface is one of the top ten reported reasons for workplace injuries. That’s why it is important to advocate for ladder safety across all work sites and make sure all workers/employees are trained properly. The ladder safety tips below can help to prevent injuries and keep all staff safe.

Safe Set Up

Selecting the correct ladder for the project is critical. A ladder should extend three feet beyond the work surface. Additionally, when selecting a ladder, you should always check the duty rating to confirm the capabilities of the ladder.

Inspect Your Ladder

Before each use, a quick inspection should be done to make sure the ladder is safe to use. Be sure to check:

  • Steps
  • Rungs
  • Spreaders
  • Rung locks
  • Safety feet
  • Fixtures

Clear Your Work Area

Having a clean and organized work area is helpful when setting up a ladder. If a ladder is placed in front of an entrance or exit, make sure that entryway is locked so no one will open the door on you while atop the ladder. Additionally, because ladders made of metal can conduct electricity, always use a fiberglass or wooden ladder if working near power lines.

Proper Foundation

Ladders are not safe unless they are placed on a solid foundation. Using wooden boards underneath the legs of the ladder can help even the surface you are working on. Also, the angle of the ladder is very important. Ladders should be set up at a 75 degree angle when possible. You can figure out the angle by using the 4:1 ratio — for every four feet of height the ladder will be leaning on, place the bottom feet of the ladder one foot away. For example, if you were climbing 12 feet, you would place the base of the ladder 3 feet away from the structure you are climbing up.

Practice Caution

Use these basic rules to stay safe when using a ladder:

  • Do not exceed the weight that your ladder is built to hold.
  • Keep your body weight centered in the middle of the ladder while climbing and do not lean too far to either side while working – instead move the ladder to a different position to get to out of reach areas.
  • Do not step on the top rung of the ladder.
  • Always face the ladder when climbing up or down.
  • Have someone spot you while you are climbing the ladder.
  • Wear non-slip shoes when using a ladder.