Step up your Ladder Safety

When it comes to falls from ladders, there are two things you need to know: They’re fatal, and they’re preventable.

When it comes to falls from ladders, there are two things you need to know: They’re fatal, and they’re preventable. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2015 data, falls are the most common cause of death in construction, but following simple guidelines every time you climb can greatly minimize your risk:

Setting up

• Read (and follow!) all labels and warnings on
  the ladder
• Ensure all rungs are free of slippery material
  including oil, grease and wet paint
• Set up a ladder on a stable surface, never on
  unstable ground or on top of any object in an
  effort to create additional height
• Check that all locks are properly engaged
• Look for overhead power lines, and use a non-conductive
  ladder if working near electrical
  hazards
• Always check that the max weight capacity is
  at least 4 times your intended load

Working near a ladder?

Never move or shift a ladder while there's a person or equipment on it.

On the ladder

• Keep your body facing forward and in the middle of the rung while climbing
• Never use the top rung as a step unless your ladder was built for it
• Keep 3 points (either two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) on the ladder while climbing
• Don't carry heavy objects that could cause you to lose your balance
• When using two or more ladders, there must be a landing between the two