Ladder Safety

Stepladders are commonly used in the construction industry, but they require careful use. They are
not designed for any degree of side loading and are relatively easily overturned. Slips, trips,
and falls constitute the majority of general industry and construction worker injuries. Falls cause
15% of all accidental deaths, and are second only to motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause
of fatalities. Ladders are a common tool that employees use to accomplish elevated work tasks.
Like any tool, ladders must be properly constructed to ensure employee safety.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL LADDERS

• All ladders must have your company name and/or logo on it.
• The use of aluminum ladders is strictly prohibited.
• There are no wooden ladders allowed on this project.
• All ladders shall be equipped with non skid safety feet.
• Employees shall visually inspect ladders for defects and damage before use. Damage ladders shall
be tagged and removed from service.
• All work over 6 feet requires 100% tie off.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYEES UTILIZING LADDERS

• Choose the appropriate ladder for the task.
• Only use ladders on stable and level surfaces.
• Keep the area around the top and bottom of the ladder clear.
• Face the ladder when ascending and descending.
• Keep your belt buckle within the side rails at all times..
• Keep tools in a tool belt in order to free up hands for climbing. Heavy or bulky items should be
brought up only after you have reached the top.

STEP LADDER SAFETY

• You should never sit on or straddle a stepladder.
• Stepladders must be tall enough to eliminate the need to stand on the top two steps of the
ladder.

EXTENTION LADDERS

• To ensure a safe position, the horizontal distance from the support structure to the foot of
the ladder shall be
¼ the working length of the ladders.
• When using a portable ladder for access to an upper landing surface, the side rails must extend
at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface. The ladder must be secured at the top and the
bottom.
• Do not stand on the top 3 steps of an extension ladder.