Ladder safety

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It’s easy to fall off a ladder, because they’re everywhere—at both work and home—and we use them for everything from cleaning gutters to getting items off of high shelves. So, it’s not surprising that about 20% of workplace falls involve ladders, and around 81 percent of all fall injuries requiring an emergency room visit are related to ladders.

Despite this, some workplaces expect employees to use a ladder without any training or information. This brief overview of ladder safety makes a great starting point for general ladder training. Remember to review issues specific to your location—and provide hands-on ladder training. There’s no substitute for actual experience.

Selecting a ladder

Ladders should be selected based on how they will be used. Light duty ladders may work for changing a light bulb at home, but have no place on a construction site. Here's other considerations:

Pick the right material

Wood | electrically nonconductive, but can be heavy and can rot if wood is untreated
Aluminum | unsafe around electricity; lightweight and corrosion-resistant
Fiberglass | strong, lightweight, and electrically nonconductive, but can be expensive Load limits
Designed for the weight it will hold, including worker and equipment
All ladders must have a duty rating sticker:
- IAA: Special duty - 375 lbs.
- IA: Extra heavy duty - 300 lbs.
- I: Heavy duty - 250 lbs.
- II: Medium duty – 225 lbs.
- III: Light duty – 200 lbs.

Setting up a ladder

Find a stable surface, and level out uneven ground.
Secure ladders to prevent movement.
Allow no debris or clutter around ladder.
Open ladders all the way, and always put locking mechanism in place.
Lock or guard door if ladder blocks a doorway.
Never place ladders on boxes, barrels, or other materials to make it taller.
Never use other items (like boxes, milk crates, or chairs) as ladders.
Keep ladder free from mud, grease, or other substances.
Consider traffic around ladder and act to protect the set-up.
Check for hazards during set-up, such as power lines, nails, beams, or sharp edges.

Using a ladder

Face the ladder when ascending, descending, or performing work.
Maintain 3 points of contact (both feet and one hand or both hands and one foot).
Climb the ladder holding the rungs, not the side rails.
Climb completely past the landing before stepping over.
Stay centered using the “belt buckle rule”– keep your belt buckle between the side rails

Storing a ladder

Store your ladder in a well-ventilated area.
Secure ladders to prevent tipovers or tripping using cords, straps, wall brackets, or racks.
Don’t store materials on ladders.

Maintaining a ladder

Performed by a “competent person” (see sidebar on page 1 for definition)
Clean and lightly lubricate moving parts.
Replace damaged parts, including labels.

Transporting a ladder

Lift ladder using your leg muscles.
Carry ladder close to your body.
Balance ladder on your shoulder.
Position ladder so top is above your head and bottom is near the ground.
Set ladder down when opening and closing doors.
If two people carry a ladder, they should be on the same side.

For more on this topic, visit saif.com/ladders.