Ladder safety is a crucial aspect of preventing workplace accidents, especially if you’re in an industry like construction, manufacturing, and retail. In fact, the leading cause of ladder-related accidents is actually human error–such as using the wrong ladder for the job or failing to properly inspect it before using.
Regular inspections are actually required by safety regulations, since a simple oversight here could lead to serious injuries. This guide will walk you through 12 key ladder safety practices, including what to avoid doing, as well as how to reduce the risk of human error so every climb can be a safe one.
Introduction to ladder safety
Preventing accidents is the main focus of occupational safety. Regular maintenance of technical equipment, but also the inspection of working conditions contribute to safety at the workplace. This area of occupational safety also includes checking ladders and steps for proper functioning. This is required by law and, according to TRBS 1203, may only be carried out by qualified persons.
Here’s a video by OSHA that describes the essentials of ladder safety:
The step and ladder inspection must be carried out regularly. The inspection interval depends on the frequency of use and the stress, but must be carried out at least once a year. Performing a ladder inspection on a regular basis also reduces the likelihood of malfunctions.
The dangers of using ladders and steps are often underestimated. Technical defects are rarely the cause of ladder accidents, at about 5% according to accident analyses. Over 90% of falls occur because ladders and steps are used incorrectly. However, this calculation also takes into account the use of unsuitable climbing aids (e.g., chairs, beverage crates, etc.)
Best practices for ladder safety
Ladders might seem simple to use, but there are several critical precautions you need to take before, during, and after using it to ensure safety:
1. Inspect the ladder before use
Before climbing a ladder, it should be inspected thoroughly for any signs of damage, missing parts, or wear. Even small issues, like a slightly bent rung or a loose hinge, can make the ladder less stable and lead to accidents.
Regular ladder inspections should be part of your daily safety routine, especially when the ladder has been used frequently or exposed to harsh weather conditions. A seemingly stable ladder might have hidden weaknesses that only a close inspection can reveal.
2. Position the ladder properly
Always put the ladder on firm, level ground so it doesn’t tip over or slip. Ladders should be fully extended to their proper height before use, and any locking mechanisms should be secured so there are no sudden shifts.
The ladder should also be placed away from doors, windows, or any other areas where it might get affected by movement. For extension ladders, use the 4:1 rule. The base should be 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet of ladder height to prevent backward tipping.
3. Use the right ladder for the job
Different types of ladders have their own purpose, such as step ladders for indoor tasks or extension ladders for reaching higher areas.
Always consider the height needed and the ladder’s material, especially if you’re working around electrical equipment where non-conductive materials like fiberglass are necessary. Using a ladder that’s too short or not designed for the specific task can cause instability or force the user to overreach.
4. Maintain three points of contact
This is one of the fundamental safety practices when using a ladder. It means either having two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand on the ladder. With this, you can have better balance and you’re less likely to slip, especially when climbing or going down the ladder.
This practice is especially important when working at heights or when using tools that require both hands. In those situations, it’s essential to use tool belts or hooks to hold items, rather than sacrificing one of your contact points.
5. Follow weight capacity guidelines
Every ladder is designed with a specific weight capacity, which includes the user’s weight and any additional tools or materials being carried. Before stepping onto the ladder, it’s important to confirm that the combined weight doesn’t go over this limit. Overloading the ladder can make it bend, collapse, or tip over.
Ignoring weight guidelines is one of the most common causes of ladder accidents. Many accidents occur simply because the weight capacity wasn’t properly assessed before, even though these are preventable.
6. Avoid reaching or overstretching
When working on a ladder, keep your body centered between the ladder’s rails and avoid leaning or reaching too far to either side. Staying within the ladder’s frame keeps your center of gravity aligned with the ladder, which helps maintain stability.
If you need to reach something outside of your range, it’s always safer to climb down and reposition the ladder. While it may seem like it’ll save you time to just reach across, this risky behavior is a leading cause of ladder-related injuries. Taking the extra time to adjust the ladder’s placement ensures a safer working environment.
7. Climb slowly and deliberately
Rushing up or down a ladder can be tempting, especially when you’re in the middle of a busy task, but it’s important to move slowly. Sudden movements can disrupt your balance, causing you to lose your footing or grip.
Each step should be taken carefully, with your foot securely placed before moving to the next rung. At the same time, your hands should maintain a firm grip on the ladder rails.
To keep all these in mind, you can download and edit these ladder inspection checklist templates based on your work setup.
What to avoid when using a ladder
Knowing what to avoid while using a ladder is just as important as following the safety rules above:
8. Never use a damaged ladder
A damaged ladder should never be used under any circumstances, even if the issue seems minor. A small defect like bent rungs or cracks might seem like it won’t affect your task, but it can cause the ladder to fail unexpectedly, resulting in a fall. Inspect the ladder carefully before every use, and remove any damaged ladders immediately from service until repairs are made or they are replaced.
9. Don’t lean ladders against unstable surfaces
It can be tempting to prop a ladder against surfaces that may seem convenient, but unstable surfaces, such as windows, loose structures, or uneven ground, can cause the ladder to slip or collapse. Even a small movement or shift in the surface can destabilize the ladder.
If no stable surface is available, it’s better to find an alternative or use ladder accessories like stabilizers for added support.
10. Don’t stand on the top rung of the ladder
One of the most dangerous behaviors when using a ladder is standing on the top rung or cap. This part of the ladder is not designed to support weight or provide stability, and standing here significantly increases the likelihood of losing your balance. Even a slight shift in your weight can cause the ladder to tip, leading to a potentially serious fall.
The top rung should always be considered off-limits. Instead, the ladder you’re using is tall enough to reach the required height without having to stand on the top. If you find yourself constantly tempted to use the top rung, it’s a sign that you need a taller ladder.
11. Don’t carry heavy items while climbing
Carrying heavy tools or materials in your hands while climbing a ladder can throw off your balance and make it harder to maintain the three points of contact necessary for safety. Climbing becomes more dangerous when your hands are occupied, as you are more likely to lose your grip or miss a step. Heavy items can also shift unexpectedly, further increasing the chances of an accident.
To avoid this risk, use a tool belt or a pulley system to transport heavy items while keeping your hands free.
12. Don’t use ladders in poor weather conditions
Using a ladder in rain, wind, or icy conditions can turn a simple task into a dangerous one. Wet or icy rungs become extremely slippery, while strong winds can make it difficult to maintain balance.
Always check the weather before using a ladder outdoors. If conditions are poor, it’s safer to postpone the task or use alternative equipment meant for harsher environments.
With all these do’s and don’ts, here’s a summary of ladder safety tips to keep in mind:
How to conduct a simple ladder check before use
As mentioned above, the ladder pre-use inspection should be performed regularly:
- by the user
- at the beginning of the work day
- after something has changed, e.g. a ladder has been dropped or moved from a dirty area to a clean area
You’ll check for the following:
Check spars – make sure that the spars are not bent or damaged, otherwise the ladder could buckle or collapse.
Check feet – if they are missing, worn or damaged, the ladder could start to slip. Ladder feet should also be checked when moving from a soft/dirty floor (e.g., dug-up soil, loose sand/stone, a dirty workshop) to a smooth, firm surface (e.g., sidewalk slabs) to ensure that the footing material and not the dirt (e.g., soil, grit, or embedded stones) is touching the floor.
Check rungs – if they are bent, worn, missing, or loose, the user may collapse on the ladder.
Check locking mechanisms – if they are bent or the fasteners are worn or damaged, the ladder may collapse. Also, make sure all locking bars are engaged.
Check the platform – if it is cracked or bent, the ladder may become unstable or collapse.
Check steps or treads – if they are dirty, they may be slippery. Also, the ladder or step may collapse if the fasteners on the steps are loose.
If any of the above deficiencies are found during the ladder inspection, the ladder or step should not be used and the employer should be notified.
Use a digital tool for ladder inspection
To stay on top of these safety rules and inspection steps, ladder safety checklists are an excellent support not only for inspectors, but also for training staff in the use of ladders and steps. A checklist can be used to ensure that a ladder or step meets the necessary safety and quality standards required for safe use.
It doesn’t have to take up your time with paperwork, either. With Lumiform, a powerful mobile app and desktop software, ladder inspections can be done more efficiently. All paperwork related to inspections and documentation can be digitized and stored online. This makes it easy to access at any time and from anywhere. The chat function or push messages can be used to immediately inform the team about safety problems with ladders and steps. This ensures that equipment faults are rectified immediately and workplace accidents are avoided.
Here’s a case study of Lumiform in action:
Other benefits of the digital application include:
- Perform inspections via the app easily using your smartphone or tablet – online and offline.
- Generate real-time data via ladder testing. This makes safety measurable and steadily optimizes testing processes based on the data.
- Always have an overview of everything that happens on site.
- Improved communication through push messages, chat function and simplified report sharing.
- Reports are created automatically – this saves complete follow-up.
- Save all inspection reports securely in the cloud.
Start your free trial today and ensure safer ladder use with Lumiform!