November ToolBox Talk: Ladder Safety

Falls from ladders can be as painful as a fall from a roof. About a third of all reported falls are falls from ladders. Many fall-related injuries result from improper use or the use of a defective ladder.

Step/extension ladders are made to access/egress upper levels, not to be used as work platforms. There are ladders, such as order pickers, that are specially designed for use as work platforms. These ladders are constructed with a small platform and guardrail. 

Safe Work Rules for Ladder Use: 

• Always use the right ladder for the right job.
• Don't set yoru ladder in a walkway or door opening.
• Keep the area at the top and bottom of the ladder clear of  tool cords, tools, material and garbage.
• Always set teh ladder on solid footing.
• Place the base of straight ladders out away from the wall or edge of the upper level about one foot for every four feet of vertical height. Don't use ladders as a platfom, runway or scaffold.
• Be sure straight ladders are long enough so that the side rails extend above the top support point by at least 36 inches.
• ​Don't lean to the side when on a ladder or you may tip over.

• Do not carry tools or materials on a ladder. Use both hands when climbing a ladder to grab onto the side rails.
• Do not use stepladders to support work platforms.
• Always  secure the top of the ladder to prevent it from sliding.
• Never lean a step ladder; always fully open a step ladder.
• Always face the ladder.
• To avoid slipping on a ladder, check your shoes for oil, grease, or mud, and wipe it off before climbing.
• Most ladders are designed to hold only one person at a time. Use by two workers may cause the ladder to fail or throw the ladder off balance.
• Do not apply stickers or decals to ladders.