Ladders are used for working at height and for access to confined spaces, excavations, and scaffolds. In the United States, falls from ladders cause about 64,000 first-aid injuries and 300 deaths a year, most from heights under 10 feet, and most industrial cases involve portable ladder failures.
What Causes Ladder Accidents?
Most ladder accidents trace back to a few causes.
- Movement of the ladder while in use
- Overreaching
- Slipping from rungs
- A defective ladder
- A ladder that is not secured or fixed
- Contact with electricity
How Do You Choose and Inspect a Ladder?
Pick the right ladder and check it before every use.
- Select the right ladder for the work, such as a straight, step, extension, platform, or multipurpose ladder
- Inspect the ladder before use and never use a damaged or broken one
- Make sure rungs are free of cracks, bends, or dents and that side rails are in good condition
- Confirm the ladder is tall enough and within its safe duty rating
- Use a fiberglass ladder near electrical supply, and never use an aluminum ladder near live electricity
How Do You Set Up and Climb a Ladder Safely?
Stable footing and three points of contact prevent falls.
- Maintain three points of contact when climbing up or down
- Keep both hands free and use a belt or rope to carry tools or materials
- Face the ladder while climbing
- Place the ladder on level, dry ground free of slip hazards, using base plates on soft or loose ground
- Extend the ladder at least three feet above the stepping-off point and maintain a 4-to-1 ratio
- Do not overreach, and keep your body centered
- Tie off the ladder or have someone hold the base, and allow only one person on a ladder at a time
- Use platform or A-type step ladders for working, not a straight ladder, and never stand on the top two rungs or the top platform, and lock the spreader on an A-type ladder
- Remove or tag any defective ladder with “Do not use”
