Injuries related to ladder use are a leading cause of workplace fatalities. By following a few basic rules of ladder safety, serious accidents and injuries can be reduced or eliminated.
Use the right ladder for the job
- Choose a ladder that has the proper load capacity.
- The ladder must be long enough to work from without using the top 3 feet.
Inspect the ladder before and after use
- Before Use
- Check the ladder’s stability.
- Look for loose or damaged hinges, steps, rails, supports or any other structural damage.
- Check for any dirt, grease, or paint that may cause slips and falls.
- Remove and tag any structurally damaged ladders from service.
- Ensure ladder is not close to electrical wiring.
- After Use
- Check for any new structural damages.
- Re-check for ladder’s stability
Set-up the ladder correctly
- When using a portable ladder, ensure it is placed on a flat and stable surface.
- In high traffic areas, protect the base of the ladder with a barricade.
- Lock or block any nearby doors that open toward you.
- Use the 4-1 ratio: The base of the ladder should be one foot away from the wall for every four feet of ladder height.
Usage
- Never lean or reach away from the ladder.
- Always maintain a three-point of contact.
- Do not carry tools that prevent using at least one hand on the ladder.
- Do not place a ladder on boxes, barrels or other unstable bases.
- Climb down cautiously.
For employees using the eSafety training platform, please review the Ladder Safety course for best practices when using portable ladders. Please reach out to your lead, supervisor, manager or EH&S for any questions.
