Ladders are some of the most commonly used tools in workplaces across industries, especially in construction, maintenance, and warehousing. Yet they also cause many workplace injuries and deaths. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls from ladders contributed to more than 800 deaths and 27,000 nonfatal injuries requiring time away from work between 2016 and 2020.
Follow these safety tips to help prevent ladder-related accidents at your worksite:
1 Choose the correct ladder.
Select a ladder that is tall enough and built for your job. Use one rated to hold your weight plus any tools. Never tie ladders together unless the manufacturer specifies that you can.
2 Check the ladder’s load rating.
Use ladders that can support at least four times the maximum intended load. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
3 Inspect the ladder before every use.
Examine ladders for cracks, bent rungs, missing feet, or broken locking devices. Check that all parts are tight and clean. Remove from service and tag any ladders that show damage.
4 Set the ladder at the proper angle on firm, level ground.
Never balance ladders on boxes, unstable ground, or slick surfaces. Make sure straight or extension ladders stretch at least three feet above the landing. Secure the top when possible. For leaning ladders, place the base one foot out from the wall for every four feet of ladder height.
5 Maintain three points of contact.
Keep two hands and one foot — or two feet and one hand — on the ladder while climbing. Face the ladder, climb slowly, and avoid skipping rungs. Carry tools in a belt or hoist them up after climbing. Keep your belt buckle between the side rails. Climb down to move the ladder. Overreaching remains a leading cause of ladder falls.
6 Use ladders only for their intended purpose.
Don’t use ladders as scaffolds, walkways, or braces. Do not stand on the top step of a stepladder unless it’s specifically built for that purpose.
7 Check rung spacing and grip.
Only climb ladders with evenly spaced skid-resistant rungs — usually 10 to 14 inches apart. Make sure each step is secure before you shift your weight..
8 Mark off the work area and communicate.
Set cones, tape, or signs around your ladder. Let coworkers know your location to prevent bumps into the ladder or other distractions.
9 Store and move ladders safely, and watch for power lines.
Tie down ladders during transport to prevent jostling and damage. Store ladders in a dry, shaded place away from extreme heat or moisture. When carrying a metal ladder, always check for overhead power lines. Contact with electrical wires can cause fatal electric shock. Look up before you lift or move the ladder.
By following these steps each time you use a ladder, you can help create a safer workplace for everyone. For more information, download DWC’s free Ladder Safety-Take 5 for Safety publication in English or Spanish, or contact a DWC safety training specialist today at SafetyTraining@tdi.texas.gov or 800-252-7031, option 2.