Ladder Safety Starts With Choosing the Right Access

Know the hazard

Team: General Small Business. Topic: Everyday Workplace Safety.

Before choosing a ladder, ask whether the task can be completed from the ground or from a more suitable work platform. A ladder must fit the work, the environment, and the combined weight of the person, tools, and materials. A convenient ladder can still be the wrong ladder.

Use the controls

Inspect the rails, steps, feet, spreaders, and labels before use. Remove a defective ladder from service. Set it on a stable, level surface and protect it from doors, vehicles, and pedestrian traffic. Open a stepladder fully and engage its locking features. Do not climb a closed stepladder as though it were a straight ladder, stand on prohibited top surfaces, or place a ladder on boxes to gain height.

Work within the safe plan

Face the ladder while climbing, keep secure contact, and arrange tools so they do not interfere with the climb. If the work requires reaching sideways, reposition instead. Consider nearby electrical hazards when selecting the ladder and work location. An employee should never feel obligated to improvise access because the correct equipment is elsewhere. Stop and obtain a suitable setup before leaving the ground.

Discuss with the crew

A worker wants to stand on the top cap of a short stepladder to replace a ceiling sign.

Question: What is the correct response?
Answer guidance: Do not climb into a prohibited position; obtain suitable access equipment.

Question: Why is asking someone to hold it insufficient?
Answer guidance: A helper does not correct an unsuitable ladder height, misuse, or the resulting balance problem.

Prepare, act, and follow up

Leader preparation: Use a sound ladder on the ground for inspection; do not demonstrate unsafe climbing.

Put it into practice: Inspect the example ladder and identify its intended standing limits and capacity information.

Supervisor follow-up: Check available ladder heights against actual tasks and remove damaged units from circulation.

Official reference: OSHA — 1910.23 Ladders
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.23

Awareness briefing. Apply current site procedures and applicable requirements. This talk does not replace required qualification, practical training, exposure assessment, medical evaluation, or a written program.

Suggested session: 5-7 minutes, including discussion and activity. Prepared October 18, 2026; recheck current requirements before use.

Show the crew

Inspect the example ladder and identify its intended standing limits and capacity information.