Before use: Check the ladder's stability. Ensure that all screws, bolts and hinges are tight and that the base of the ladder is secure. Look for loose or damaged rungs, steps, side rails, supports and any other structural damage.
Before using a ladder, you should have access to user instructions from the manufacturer in case you need to refer to them. You should always carry out a 'pre-use' check to spot any obvious visual defects to make sure the ladder is safe to use. A pre-use check should be carried out: by the person using the ladder.
Choose the Right Ladder
Using the wrong ladder is the leading cause of ladder accidents. Selecting the right ladder for the task is the first step in safety. First, check the weight of the ladder; it should weigh more than the worker and the tools the worker will be carrying. Next, choose the right material.
Before stepping foot on a rolling ladder, personnel will want to check for any rust, cracks or corrosion that could compromise the ladder's structural integrity. All bolts and rivets should be tightly secured, and the locking mechanism should be checked to ensure that it is fully operational.
Use a ladder only on a stable and level surface, unless it has been secured (top or bottom) to prevent displacement. Do not place a ladder on boxes, barrels or other unstable bases to obtain additional height. Do not move or shift a ladder while a person or equipment is on the ladder.
This requirement ensures that all modifications align with current safety standards, offering improved protection for climbers. Furthermore, by November 18, 2036, all fixed ladders over 24 feet must be retrofitted with a PFAS or ladder safety system, regardless of whether the existing safety cage is removed.
3-foot rule – When using a ladder to reach a higher level (such as a roof) the top of the ladder must reach at least 3 feet past the edge of the level and be secured from slipping. Fall Protection – When the top of a fixed ladder is 24 feet or more from the lower level on a ladder the worker must use fall protection.
General Employer Responsibilities
Employers are required to ensure that ladder equipment is in good condition and that employees use ladders safely. Daily safety precautions include the following: Ladders may only be used for the purposes for which they were designed.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ladder standards do not require manufacturers to label ladders with instructions and warnings. Manufacturers of ladders attach the labels to provide information for safe use, and to protect themselves in liability action from any misuse of the ladder.
Improper placement is one of the leading causes of ladder accidents. Placing a ladder on uneven or unstable ground increases the risk of it slipping or tipping over, causing you to fall. Neglecting to secure the base of the ladder further compounds this risk.
By understanding and addressing the top three OSHA-cited ladder violations—improper usage, lack of inspections, and improper setup—employers can create a safer environment for workers. Regular ladder inspections, proper setup techniques, and worker training are all essential to ensure ladder safety.
Rungs are the horizontal bars you step on when climbing a ladder.
Always grip the ladder and face the ladder rungs while climbing or descending – don't slide down the stiles. Don't try to move or extend the ladder while standing on the rungs. Don't work off the top three rungs. Try to make sure that the ladder extends at least 1 metre or three rungs above where you are working.
Ensure that all screws, bolts and hinges are tight and that the base of the ladder is secure. Look for loose or damaged rungs, steps, side rails, supports and any other structural damage. Check for any dirt, grease or paint that could cause slips and falls.
What is the 4-1 Rule for Ladders? The base of your ladder should extend 1 foot for every 4 feet of height between the working surface and the point of contact. When done correctly, the ladder will meet the ground at a 75-degree angle.
Final answer: The first action when discovering an issue with a ladder is to not use it, preventing potential accidents. Following that, tag the ladder with a "Do Not Use" sign, inform your supervisor, and take it out of service for safety.
Provide a workplace free from serious recognized hazards and comply with standards, rules and regulations issued under the OSH Act. Examine workplace conditions to make sure they conform to applicable OSHA standards. Make sure employees have and use safe tools and equipment and properly maintain this equipment.
Ladders shall be used only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental displacement. Ladders shall not be used on slippery surfaces unless secured or provided with slip-resistant feet to prevent accidental displacement.
Follow the 4 to 1 ratio ladder rule: set the base 1 foot out from the wall for every 4 feet it reaches up. This can be estimated by counting rungs, which are about one foot apart.
Since the major hazard of a ladder is falling, here are a couple of other hazards that can cause falls: Raising or lowering someone with the forklift. Working unprotected at heights greater than ten feet. Using things like boxes and chairs instead of a ladder.
When you're using a ladder to work at height, the ladder you are on becomes top-heavy, and much easier to unbalance. To avoid unbalancing the ladder, make sure you keep your belt buckle – or your belly button if you don't wear a belt – in between your ladder's side rails.
DON'T permit more than one person on a step ladder or an extension ladder.