Ladder Safety Basics

Ladders are one of the most-used and most-cited pieces of equipment on jobsites. Falls from ladders cause many deaths and disabling injuries every year, often from heights under 10 feet.

• Construction
• General Industry

Pick the right ladder

• Type of ladder: step ladder for freestanding work; extension ladder for reaching an upper level; fixed ladders for permanent access.
• Material: use fiberglass (non-conductive) for any work near electricity. Never use aluminum ladders near power lines or electrical equipment.
• Length: tall enough that you don’t have to stand on the top steps or overreach.
• Duty rating: must hold your weight plus tools and materials.

Inspect before each use

• Rails not cracked, bent, split or dented
• Rungs and steps tight, not bent, and free of oil, grease, mud and paint
• Feet and shoes in place, not worn, and swivel properly
• Spreaders, locks, rope and pulleys (extension ladders) work properly
• All labels readable
• Damaged ladder? Tag it “Do Not Use” and remove it from service right away.

Climbing safely

• Keep three points of contact: two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand, at all times.
• Face the ladder when climbing up or down.
• Keep your belt buckle (body center) between the rails.
• Carry tools in a belt or pouch, or raise them with a hand line, so your hands are free.
• Set the ladder on firm, level ground and keep the area around the base clear.
• Only one person on a ladder at a time, unless it’s designed for more.

• Don’t overreach. Climb down and move the ladder.
• Don’t use a ladder in high wind, or set it on boxes, scaffolds or trucks to gain height.
• Don’t place a ladder in front of a door unless the door is locked, blocked or guarded.
• Don’t tie ladders together to make them longer.

Why ladder falls happen

• Wrong ladder: too short, so people stand on the top or overreach; or aluminum near power.
• Bad set-up: wrong angle, soft or uneven ground, not tied off, not extended 3 feet past the landing.
• Hands full: carrying tools or material while climbing, losing three points of contact.
• Missing a step: rushing, climbing down facing outward, muddy boots or wet rungs.
• Getting on and off: many falls happen at the top, stepping between the ladder and a roof or platform.

Ladders and electricity

Metal ladders that touch overhead lines kill workers every year, often while the ladder is being raised or carried. Before you move or raise any ladder outdoors, look up. Keep ladders at least 10 feet from overhead lines, and use only non-conductive side rails anywhere you could contact energized equipment. See Overhead Power Lines.

Other ladders you’ll see

• Platform (podium) ladders: a step ladder with a standing platform and a guardrail. Safer for long tasks.
• Multi-position ladders: can be set up as a step, extension or trestle ladder. Make sure every lock is engaged for the position you use.
• Job-made ladders: built on site from lumber. They must be built to the OSHA and ANSI specifications, with uniform cleat spacing (10 to 14 inches) and filler blocks, and inspected like any other ladder.
• Fixed ladders: permanently attached. See Fixed Ladders.

Training

In construction, OSHA requires employers to train every worker who uses ladders and stairways to recognize the hazards, set ladders up correctly, and understand load capacity. Training must be repeated when a worker shows they don’t understand it.

Last updated: October 1, 2026