Doesn’t everyone know how to use a ladder? Isn’t it just common sense — lean it against the wall, climb up, don’t fall… right? And shouldn’t we focus safety training on the “big stuff” like man lifts, dump trucks, flaggers, or heavy power tools?
No. Absolutely not.
Ladders might be one of the simplest tools on a jobsite, but they’re also involved in some of the most frequent—and most serious—injuries. Extension ladders alone are associated with 20% of all fall injuries among workers and 81% of fall injuries in the construction industry.
According to OSHA:
“Workers who use extension ladders risk permanent injury or death from falls and electrocutions. These hazards can be eliminated or substantially reduced by following good safety practices.”
And take a look at this example: the extension ladder shown below is missing the entire foot assembly and foot pads. It appears to be the top half of an extension ladder that someone took apart and tried to use separately. This is extremely dangerous, and completely unacceptable.
OSHA Standard 1926.1060(a) requires employers to provide training for every employee who uses ladders or stairways. Workers must be able to recognize ladder hazards and understand how to avoid them.
If you’re using extension ladders, or leading a safety huddle about them, make sure your crew understands these essential precautions:
- Inspect every ladder before each use. Look for missing rungs, loose bolts, cracked rails, bent hardware, or damaged components.
- Remove defective ladders from service immediately. No exceptions.
- Never take an extension ladder apart to make two smaller ladders. This is incredibly unsafe.
- Set the ladder at a proper angle. Incorrect angles create sliding or tipping hazards.
- Ensure the ladder extends at least 3 feet above the landing surface when used for roof access or similar tasks.
- Maintain three points of contact at all times — two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand.
- Avoid overreaching. Leaning too far to either side can cause sudden imbalance and shift the ladder.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific ladder you’re trained to use.
- Place ladders in safe, controlled areas. Use cones or warning signs to prevent displacement in busy work zones.
