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 of the fall related injuries result from the 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 specifically designed ladders for use as work platforms such as order pickers. These ladders are constructed with a small platform and guardrail. The following safe work rules should be observed when working with ladders:

Ladder Use

• Always use the right ladder for the right job.
• Don't set your 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 the ladder on solid footing.
• Place the base of straight ladders out away from the wall or edge of the upper level about 1 foot for every 4 feet of vertical height. Don't use ladders as a platform, 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 personal or job stickers/decals.