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Ladder Safety Guidelines from Top to Bottom
As we all know, ladders can be dangerous. At best they are awkward, potentially unstable, and ergonomically compromising. At worst they are a means to death or permanent disability. People get hurt staying on a ladder when it shifted, getting off ladders, carrying ladders, and wearing inappropriate footwear such as flip flops.
Any work above grade level increases the risk injury; the greater the elevation, the greater the danger. It's no surprise that OSHA consistently lists ladders as one of their top safety violations each year.
As a result, there are several requirements that are focused on ensuring employee safety while using temporary ladders.
Set up
- Set a straight ladder at a 75 degree angle to the object being scaled
- Secure the ladder from moving or falling by doing at least one of the following (a combination of the first two is best)
- Place or secure the feet in such a way that they cannot move or slip
- Anchor or tie-off the top so that it cannot move or shift
- Have someone hold the ladder so it cannot move
- When accessing a roof or other elevated level, the top of the ladder must extend 3” beyond the point of support
Use
- Always face a ladder when ascending or descending
- Never stand on the top step of a step ladder-even the short ones!
- Ladder use should be limited to authorized individuals who have been trained in acquisition, handling, and use
- Always use a ladder for above-grade access or work-NEVER use a substitute such as a chair or table
- Get help moving an awkward or heavy ladder
- When going up or down, keep one hand and one foot on the rungs at all times
- Keep your body and any material you carry as close to the ladder as possible
- When working from a ladder, keep your body centered on the ladder-do not lean or overreach
- Always use every rung of the ladder when descending-never skip rungs or jump off a ladder
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