Falls from ladders are one of the most common causes of workplace injuries across construction, maintenance, and facility management. For any work at height, it’s important to make safety checks fast, thorough, and repeatable. A ladder safety inspection checklist gives you a structured way to track equipment condition and setup. This customizable form helps you assess key safety points like rung stability, secure footing, and correct ladder placement.
Key elements of the ladder safety inspection checklist
A ladder safety inspection checklist allows you to document key safety checks quickly and consistently, keeping your crew protected and your records in order. Here are its main components:
- General ladder condition: Start by checking the basics—are the rungs, rails, and feet in solid shape? This section captures visible wear, cracks, or corrosion that could affect stability. Spotting small issues early helps avoid bigger problems down the line.
- Placement and setup: A ladder isn’t safe if it’s not set up correctly. This section helps verify the ladder is on level ground, angled properly, and extended high enough to meet the landing. It keeps your team from making risky shortcuts under time pressure.
- Safe ladder usage: Even a perfectly placed ladder is dangerous if it’s used the wrong way. Use this section to confirm best practices are followed—like maintaining three points of contact and using tool belts instead of carrying equipment by hand.
- Pre-use inspection habits: This part reinforces consistency. It helps you check that ladders are being inspected before each use—not just when something looks off. It builds a habit of awareness across your crew.
Customizing your ladder safety inspection checklist
With Lumiform’s form builder, you can quickly customize the template to fit your specific equipment and workflow.
One way is to add ladder type categories—like step ladders, extension ladders, or platform ladders. For example, you might want to track locking mechanisms on step ladders or check pulley systems on extension models.
The template also lets you include digital signatures from inspectors to document who completed each check and when. This is especially useful for large teams or rotating shifts, where multiple people are handling safety checks.
To catch early signs of damage, your team has the option to attach photos of problem areas. This could include a cracked rung, a missing end cap, or bent rails. Managers can then remotely verify reported issues and prioritize repairs without second-hand descriptions slowing things down.
Download Lumiform’s ladder safety inspection checklist today
A reliable inspection process starts with the right structure. This template is designed to fit seamlessly into your existing safety routine, whether you’re managing a single site or multiple crews. It supports you in keeping records organized, flagging issues fast, and aligning inspections with site standards.