Do You Know if You’re Breaking OSHA’s Safety Ladders Rules?

Safety doesn't take shortcuts!

Construction sites are home to some of the world’s most dangerous professions – which is why year after year, construction-related injuries land at the top of OSHA’s citation list. The Construction Safety OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1051 is the most cited OSHA violation. While there is a wide range of injuries that can occur on a job site, an alarming number of them involve ladders. These useful tools can become a serious work hazard if not used and maintained properly. Something as simple as completing an inspection prior to stepping onto a ladder, or placing a lockout on a defective ladder, could potentially save a life.

Follow OSHA’s rules for using ladders in the construction, alteration, repair, painting, decorating and demolition of worksites to help ensure your workers go home safely.

Twelve General Ladder Safety Rules You Don’t Want to Break

1. Maintain ladders free of oil, grease, and other slipping hazards.
2. Do not load ladders beyond their maximum intended load nor beyond their manufacturer’s rated capacity.
3. Use ladders only for their designed purpose and follow instructions on ladder signs.
4. Use ladders only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental movement.
5. Do not use ladders on slippery surfaces unless secured or provided with slip-resistant feet to prevent accidental movement. Do not use slip-resistant feet as a substitute for exercising care when placing, lashing, or holding a ladder upon slippery surfaces.
6. Secure ladders placed in areas such as passageways, doorways, or driveways, or where they can be displaced by workplace activities or traffic to prevent accidental movement. Or use a barricade to keep traffic or activity away from the ladder.
7. Keep areas clear around the top and bottom of the ladders.
8. Do not move, shift, or extend ladders while in use and remind workers of do’s and don’ts with motivational banners.
9. Use ladders equipped with non-conductive side rails if the worker or the ladder could contact exposed energized electrical equipment.
10. Face the ladder when moving up or down.
11. Use at least one hand to grasp the ladder when climbing.
12. Do not carry objects or loads that could cause loss of balance and falling.

Keep workers safe and remind them that a competent person must visually inspect stepladders for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use.

To determine the correct ladder, consider your weight plus the weight of your load. Remember not to exceed the load rating and always consult with OSHA for duty ratings and proper guidelines.

Reduce falls on your construction site by eliminating ladder hazards.