13 Free Ladder Safety Articles
Ladder safety is the set of practices for choosing the right ladder and then inspecting, positioning, and climbing it so a worker avoids a fall or contact with an electrical hazard. Ladders are simple and used in nearly every industry, which is part of why they remain a leading source of workplace falls. Many of those injuries trace back to small errors in setup, angle, or ladder condition that are easily preventable.
The ladder safety articles on this page walk through the ladders workers actually use and the hazards of each type of ladder. The ladder articles cover step ladders, extension ladders, platform ladders, fixed ladders, and step stools, and also address less common types such as tripod orchard ladders. Some articles focus on ladder inspections as they review how to check a ladder before use, what a competent person looks for, and when a defective ladder must be pulled from service.
Foremen and safety managers can use these articles to train workers on how to select the safe ladder for a task, brief a crew before work at height, or lead a step ladder or extension ladder safety meeting. They are written for foremen, safety managers, warehouse and maintenance staff, and anyone who climbs a ladder as a routine part of the job.
Why it matters
Ladders are a leading source of workplace fall injuries.
Ladder Safety Articles
Ladders FAQs
Does OSHA require ladder safety training?
Yes, in construction, employers must train every employee who uses ladders to recognize the hazards and use ladders safely, with retraining whenever conditions change (OSHA 1926.1060). General industry carries a similar training requirement under OSHA's Walking-Working Surfaces standards (OSHA 1910 Subpart D).
What is the 4-to-1 rule for setting up an extension ladder?
The 4-to-1 rule means setting a non-self-supporting ladder so its base sits 1 foot out from the wall for every 4 feet of working length up to the point of support. OSHA sets this angle requirement in its portable ladder standard (OSHA 1926.1053(b)(5)(i)). A ladder pitched too steep can tip backward, and one set too shallow can slide out at the base.
How far does a ladder have to extend above a roof or landing?
An extension ladder must extend at least 3 feet above the roof or landing it serves. When a portable ladder is used to reach an upper landing surface, the side rails must extend at least 3 feet above it so workers have something to hold while stepping on and off (OSHA 1926.1053(b)(1)). If the ladder is too short to do that, it must be secured at the top and fitted with a grab rail.
How often does OSHA require ladders to be inspected?
OSHA requires a competent person to inspect ladders for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any event that could affect their safe use (OSHA 1926.1053(b)(15)). Many employers also have workers check a ladder before each use. Any ladder with structural defects must be tagged and removed from service until it is repaired (OSHA 1926.1053(b)(16)).
Can a metal ladder be used near electrical hazards?
A metal ladder should never be used near electrical hazards. Where a worker or the ladder could contact exposed energized electrical equipment, OSHA requires ladders with nonconductive side rails, such as fiberglass (OSHA 1926.1053(b)(12)). Keep every ladder clear of overhead power lines, since contact with energized lines is a common cause of ladder electrocutions.
Is it safe to stand on the top of a step ladder?
No, it is not safe to stand on the top of a step ladder. OSHA prohibits using the top cap or top step of a stepladder as a step (OSHA 1926.1053(b)(13)), and standing there is a frequent cause of step ladder falls. Choose a ladder tall enough to keep your body centered between the side rails without overreaching, and maintain three points of contact while climbing.
