Ladders are involved in a significant number of workplace fall injuries every year. According to OSHA and injury data from the construction industry, falls involving ladders continue to be a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities on the job. Because of these risks, inspecting a ladder before use is one of the most important steps in preventing falls and other ladder-related incidents.
Why Ladder Inspections Matter
The inspection of an extension ladder is a critical safety step that can help prevent serious injuries or even fatalities. Damaged ladders can fail without warning, causing workers to lose balance, fall from height, or suffer struck-by injuries from collapsing equipment.
OSHA requires employers to ensure ladders are inspected regularly and removed from service if defects are found. However, even with scheduled inspections, every worker has a responsibility to make sure the ladder they are about to use is safe.
OSHA Construction Standard 1926.1053(b)(15) Ladders shall be inspected by a competent person for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use.
OSHA General Industry Standard 1910.23(b)(9) Ladders are inspected before initial use in each work shift, and more frequently as necessary, to identify any visible defects that could cause employee injury.
The Importance of Ladder Safety Training
Many ladder incidents happen because workers overlook basic safety practices or assume a ladder is safe without checking it first. Employers should not assume that workers automatically know how to inspect or safely use a ladder.
Regular safety meetings and toolbox talks on ladder safety can help reinforce safe habits and remind workers what to look for before climbing. Even short safety discussions on common topics like ladder inspections can prevent dangerous shortcuts and unsafe decisions.
Workers may hesitate to ask questions if they think the topic is too basic or fear embarrassment in front of coworkers. Ongoing training helps create an environment where workers feel comfortable speaking up about safety concerns before an incident occurs.
What to Inspect on an Extension Ladder
Always visually inspect ladder feet to ensure that foot pads and the foot assembly are present and in safe condition. Damaged or missing foot pads can allow the ladder to slide unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a serious fall.
If the ladder feet are worn, broken, loose, or missing, remove the ladder from service immediately.
Inspect the ladder rails and rungs carefully for cracks, bends, dents, splits, corrosion, or other structural damage. Damaged rails or rungs can weaken the ladder and lead to sudden failure during use.
Check that all rungs are securely attached and free from excessive wear. Never use a ladder with loose or missing rungs.
Inspect the ladder locks, sometimes called dogs or pawls, to ensure they engage properly and do not slip. Faulty ladder locks can cause the fly section of the ladder to collapse unexpectedly.
Inspect the rope and pulley assembly for fraying, wear, or damage. Make sure the rope moves freely and allows the ladder to extend and retract properly.
Ladder inspections should also include checking that warning labels and manufacturer information remain readable. Labels that are painted over, damaged, or missing may prevent workers from seeing important safety instructions or load ratings.
Check the ladder rungs and steps for mud, grease, oil, wet paint, or dirt that could create slip hazards while climbing. Clean ladders as needed before use.
Inspect for buildup of materials that may affect grip or footing. A slippery rung can easily lead to a fall.
Never Attempt Temporary Repairs
Never attempt to repair a damaged ladder with wire, screws, bolts, duct tape, rope, or electrical tape. Improvised repairs can fail unexpectedly and create a serious hazard.
If a ladder is damaged, tag it clearly and remove it from service until it is properly disposed of or replaced according to company procedures.
Follow Manufacturer Instructions
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for inspection, setup, weight limits, and safe use of the specific ladder being used. Different ladder materials and designs may have different requirements.
Do not exceed the ladder’s duty rating or maximum intended load, which includes the worker, tools, and materials being carried.
Never use a step ladder in the folded position as an extension ladder unless it is specifically designed for that purpose by the manufacturer.
Using a step ladder improperly can make it unstable and increase the risk of collapse or tip-over.
Remove any ladder from service immediately if it is found to be defective. Workers should never ignore damage or continue using a ladder that appears unsafe.
A few moments spent inspecting a ladder before use can prevent a life-changing injury or fatal fall.
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