This article was written by Josh Hancey, Safety Director at Helpside. 

Ladders are an essential tool in many workplaces, but their misuse can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Each year, ladders consistently rank among OSHA’s top ten citations, with serious safety violations costing up to $13,653 per incident and repeat or willful violations incurring fines as high as $136,532, plus additional state OSHA citations. Annually, there are about 200,000 non-fatal ladder-related injuries in workplaces and approximately 150 fatal injuries. 

Here are some critical ladder safety tips to help ensure safe use.  

General Ladder Safety Tips 

  1. Inspect Before Use: Always perform a quick inspection of your ladder before each use. Check for any damage or wear that could compromise its integrity.
  2. Three Points of Contact: Maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) when ascending or descending a ladder.
  3. Weight Capacity: Never exceed the ladder’s weight capacity. About 4% of ladder accidents result from broken ladders due to overloading.
  4. Stable Surface: Do not set up a ladder on slick surfaces like wet floors, ice, or decks. Approximately 40% of ladder accidents occur when ladders move while in use.
  5. Awareness of Rungs: Many accidents happen when workers miss the last rung while coming down the ladder. Take your time and be aware of this common hazard.
  6. Proper Positioning: Keep your body within the side rails of the ladder to avoid overreaching. About 18% of ladder accidents are due to losing balance.

Step Ladder Safety Tips 

  1. Avoid Top Rungs: Never step on the top two rungs as this can lead to loss of balance.
  2. Correct Use: Do not use a step ladder as an extension ladder by resting it against a wall.
  3. Face the Ladder: Always face the ladder while climbing.
  4. Carry Tools Safely: Do not carry tools or objects in your hands while climbing. Maintain three points of contact.
  5. Firm Base: Ensure the base is firm and level, and that the spreaders are locked in place.
  6. Avoid Overreaching: Do not overreach in any direction to maintain balance.

Extension Ladder Safety Tips 

  1. Avoid Rain Gutters: Never rest an extension ladder on a rain gutter as it may collapse, causing a fall. Ladder movement accounts for 40% of ladder accidents.
  2. Proper Angle: The ideal angle for an extension ladder is 75.5 degrees. You can use the NIOSH Ladder Safety app to set the correct angle accurately.
  3. Extension Above Roof Line: The top of the ladder should extend 3 feet above the roofline, which is roughly 3.5 rungs. This allows for safe transitions on and off the roof.

By following these ladder safety tips and being aware of the associated risks and statistics, workers can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and ensure a safer working environment.