Infographic: Stay on Top of Ladder Safety

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How to stay on top of ladder safety

Each day ladder-related accidents cause:

• 2000 Injuries
• 1 Fatality

In the workplace, 20% of fall injuries involve ladders. In construction 81% of fall injuries involve ladders (based on data from fall injuries treated in emergency rooms).

Take these steps for ladder safety

First, determine if a ladder is the best option for the job.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Will I have to hold heavy items while on the ladder?
• Do I have to stand on the ladder sideways in order to do this work?
• Will I be working from this height for a long time?
• Is the elevated area high enough that it would require a long ladder that could be unstable?

OSHA suggests that if you answer “YES” to any of these questions, a ladder might not be a good idea.

Choose the right ladder

Which type?

• Step ladders (self supporting ladders)
• Extension ladders (non-self supporting ladders)

Ladder height - Choose a ladder that is the correct height for the job.

• Extension ladders should extend 3 feet beyond the edge that supports them and be placed at a safe angle.
• OSHA says a safe angle is when “the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is about ¼ the working length of the ladder.”
• Never stand on the top rung or step

Ladder material - Consider the material from which your ladder is made. Aluminum is conductive and not to be used around electricity.

• Fiberglass (for working around electricity)
• Aluminum (lightweight, NOT for use around electricity)

Safety features - ProTip: If unsure about the safety level of the ladder, take time to locate a knowledgeable store clerk and ask!

• Are safety treads present to avoid slipping?
• Is the ladder certified?
• Are lock bars present?
• Are the steps safely connected to the frame?
• Does the ladder have safety feet that anchor the ladder?

Follow these ladder safety guidelines

• Inspect the ladder for damage or stability issues.
• For self-supporting ladders, lock the metal spreader for security. If your ladder does not have them, consider another one.
• Place the ladder on stable ground.
• Always have 3 points of contact with the ladder (two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand).
• Face the ladder when ascending or descending.
• Don’t carry tools in your hands. Use a tool belt!
• Use a spotter for extra safety.
• Wear proper footwear with treads
• Don’t lean outside the ladder’s rails.

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