Level Up Your Ladder Safety

Level Up Your Ladder Safety

Extension ladders are important tools on many jobsites, but they also pose heavy risks when not used properly. Falls from ladders remain a leading cause of workplace injuries, many of which are preventable through suitable selection, inspection, and use. The following best practices can help keep workers safe.

Inspection

A ladder should never be used without a thorough inspection. It is the most important action to prevent incidents.

• Look for cracks, broken rungs, bent rails, or loose/missing parts.

• If damage is found, remove the ladder from service immediately and clearly tag it “Do Not Use” or with similar language.

• Ensure rungs are clean and free of mud, snow, oil, or other slippery substances.

• Verify the ladder’s weight rating label is visible (not worn) and that it supports the user’s weight, as well as tools and materials that would be carried.

• Confirm the extension mechanism is locked prior to climbing.

Ladder Selection

• Select a ladder that is tall enough for the task; the ladder should extend at least 3 feet above the landing surface.

• Make sure the duty rating matches the load.

• Choose the appropriate material for the environment:

  • Fiberglass for electrical or high-voltage areas

  • Aluminum for lightweight portability

  • Wood for specific jobsite requirements

Setting Up the Ladder

Proper setup reduces the risk of slips, shifts, and falls.

• Avoid working from a ladder in high winds or severe weather conditions.
• Before setting up the ladder, clear all snow, ice, and debris from the ground where the ladder's feet will rest. Shoveling alone may not be enough; use salt or sand to create traction on the cleared surface if possible.
• Place the ladder on a firm, level surface.
  • If the ground is soft or potentially slippery, place a large, sturdy wooden board or a thick rubber mat underneath the ladder's feet to provide a solid and stable foundation.
  • Use ladder leg levelers or stabilizers to ensure the ladder is perfectly level, especially on uneven terrain.
  • Use ladder feet equipped with spikes or spurs if necessary, ensuring they can properly grip the cleared surface. 
• Tie off or secure the top and bottom of the ladder to prevent it from moving or sliding.
• Follow the 4:1 ratio: for every four feet of ladder height, place the base one foot away from the wall or support.
• Fully extend the ladder and ensure the locks (dogs or pawls) are fully engaged.
• In busy or high-traffic areas:
  • Secure the ladder
  • Use barricades to redirect workers
  • Never place the ladder in front of a door unless it is blocked off to prevent opening
• Before starting work, survey the entire area for potential electrical hazards. Always assume all power lines are live and uninsulated.
  • Keep a 10-foot clearance from unguarded, energized overhead power lines and use nonconductive ladders near energized equipment.
  • If the necessary clearance cannot be maintained, contact the utility company to de-energize and ground the lines or install insulation over them.
• When extending or retracting the ladder, have another person stabilize the base.
• Never use an extension ladder in place of a platform, scaffold, or horizontal support.

Climbing Safely and Working from the Ladder

Climbing is one of the most vulnerable moments for ladder users. To avoid incidents:

• Ensure footwear is clean and has slip-resistant soles.

• Always face the ladder when climbing up or down.

• Do not carry tools in hands. Instead, use a tool belt, hoist, or hand line to raise and lower items.

• Maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) at all times.

• Use a fall protection harness mandated by OSHA at specific heights (e.g., 4 ft in general industry, 6 ft in construction) and for high-risk situations like working over dangerous machinery.

• Limit occupancy to one person at a time on the ladder, unless it is specifically designed for multiple users.
  
  

Once at height, workers should:

• Keep body centered between the side rails. Do not lean or overreach; reposition the ladder closer to the work area to maintain stability and control. Do not attempt to move or shift the ladder while standing on it.
• Never stand on top rung or top two steps.
• Monitor surroundings for trip hazards, other workers, or overhead obstructions.

Mandatory Training

Proper ladder use training is essential.

• Include ladder safety as part of new-hire onboarding.

• Provide regular refreshers to reinforce safe practices.

• Tailor training to your company’s specific jobsites and tasks.

• Cover all topics:

  • Inspection

  • Hazard identification

  • Proper setup

  • Maintenance and storage

  • Safe climbing and working techniques

• Maintain accurate training records for all workers.

Be consistent and communicate best practices often. Extension ladders are simple tools, but the risks associated with improper use are significant. By selecting the right ladder, inspecting it carefully, setting it up correctly, and climbing with intention, injuries can be avoided.

For more safety tips, contact your local Risk Control Consultant. Click the button below to find an agent near you. 

For information purposes only. BITCO's blog content does not address all potential circumstances and is not a substitute for business, safety, or legal consultation.