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Toolbox based on ladder safety

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Ladder Safety and Fall Prevention =================================

Date: 2025-09-09

Duration: \[DURATION] minutes

Presenter: \[PRESENTER NAME]

Location: \[LOCATION]

Objective

To provide employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely use ladders and prevent falls in the workplace.

Introduction

Falls from ladders are a leading cause of workplace injuries. This toolbox talk will cover key safety regulations and practical measures to prevent falls and ensure safe ladder use.

Key Points

  • Ladder Selection: Select the right type and size of ladder for the job. Consider the height, load capacity, and duty rating. Ensure the ladder is long enough to safely reach the work area without overreaching. Use a ladder designed for your task. Consider the strength, type, length and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approval.
    • Type IA (Extra Heavy Duty) - 300 lbs
    • Type I (Heavy Duty) - 250 lbs
    • Type II (Medium Duty) - 225 lbs
    • Type III (Light Duty) - 200 lbs
  • Ladder Inspection: Inspect ladders before each use for any signs of damage or defects. Check rungs, side rails, feet, and locking mechanisms. Any ladder with structural or other defects is immediately tagged "Dangerous: Do Not Use" or with similar language in accordance with § 1910\.145 and removed from service until repaired in accordance with § 1910\.22(d), or replaced;. [2]
    • Cracked or broken rungs or side rails
    • Loose or missing rungs
    • Damaged or worn feet
    • Malfunctioning locking mechanisms
  • Proper Ladder Setup: Set up ladders on a stable and level surface. Ensure the ladder's feet are firmly planted and will not slip. Ladders shall be used only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental displacement. [3]
    • Use ladder levelers on uneven surfaces.
    • Secure the ladder at the top and bottom to prevent movement.
    • Never place a ladder on boxes or unstable bases.
  • Three-Point Contact: Maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand). This provides stability and reduces the risk of falling. Each employee uses at least one hand to grasp the ladder when progressing up and/or down the ladder. [4]
    • Avoid carrying tools or materials in your hands while climbing.
    • Use a tool belt or hoist to transport items.
    • Focus on maintaining a secure grip and footing.
  • Safe Climbing Practices: Face the ladder when climbing up or down. Move slowly and deliberately, and avoid rushing. Do not wear loose clothing, jewellery, or anything else that may catch while climbing. [6]
    • Keep your body centered between the side rails.
    • Avoid leaning or overreaching.
    • Never climb higher than the second rung from the top on a stepladder or the third rung from the top on an extension ladder.
  • Ladder Angle: Set up non-self-supporting ladders at the correct angle. The horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder should be approximately one-quarter of the working length of the ladder. Non-self-supporting ladders shall be used at an angle such that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is approximately one-quarter of the working length of the ladder (the distance along the ladder between the foot and the top support). [3]

Hazard Identification

  • Falls from height due to unstable ladder setup: Serious injuries, fractures, head trauma, or death.

(Risk: High)

  • Ladder collapse due to defects or overloading: Falls, lacerations, crush injuries.

(Risk: High)

  • Electric shock from using metal ladders near power lines: Burns, cardiac arrest, death.

(Risk: Critical)

  • Falling objects striking workers below: Head injuries, contusions, fractures.

(Risk: Medium)

  • Overreaching or losing balance on the ladder: Sprains, strains, fractures.

(Risk: Medium)

Control Measures

  • Implement a ladder inspection program: Train employees to inspect ladders before each use. Remove damaged ladders from service immediately.
  • Ensure proper ladder selection: Match the ladder type and size to the specific task and work environment.
  • Enforce three-point contact rule: Provide training and supervision to ensure employees maintain three points of contact while climbing.
  • Use fall protection equipment: When working at heights of 3 metres (10 feet) or more, use a safety belt or harness with the lanyard tied appropriately to the structure.
  • Secure ladders properly: Tie off extensions or straight ladders at the top and secure bottom to prevent them from slipping.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

  • Gloves: Wear gloves to improve grip and protect hands from cuts and abrasions. Wearing footwear with heels can help to stop the foot from slipping forward. [1]
    • Select gloves that provide adequate grip and dexterity.
  • Slip-Resistant Footwear: Wear slip-resistant footwear to prevent slips and falls on ladder rungs. Before mounting a ladder, clean the boot soles if they are muddy or slippery. Avoid climbing with wet soles. Ensure that footwear is in good condition. [5]
    • Check footwear regularly for wear and tear.
  • Safety Glasses: Use safety glasses to protect eyes from dust, debris, or other potential hazards.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

  1. What are the most common ladder-related hazards you have observed?
  2. What steps can we take to improve ladder safety in our workplace?
  3. How can we ensure that all employees are properly trained on ladder safety?

Emergency Procedures

  1. In case of a fall, immediately call for medical assistance.
  2. Do not move the injured worker unless there is an immediate danger.
  3. Document the incident and investigate the cause to prevent future occurrences.

Summary

Recap of main points:

  • Always inspect ladders before use.
  • Maintain three points of contact while climbing.
  • Use the right ladder for the job and set it up properly.
  • Wear appropriate PPE and follow safe climbing practices.

Remember: Ladder Safety: Climb Safe, Work Safe, Stay Safe.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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6 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Ladders - Portable

Page 2

Open source document

Source excerpt

# What should you do before using a portable ladder? - Use a ladder designed for your task. Consider the strength, type, length and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approval. - Read and follow all the labels and markings on the ladder. - Make sure the load rating is indicated on the ladder and is appropriate for the user, equipment, and task. - Inspect the ladder before and after each use. - Reject and tag any ladders that have defects. Have faulty ladders repaired or thrown out. - Get help when handling a heavy or long ladder. - Keep ladders away from power wires, and if electricity is a hazard, a fibreglass ladder should be used. - Tie off extensions or straight ladders at the top and secure bottom to prevent them from slipping. - Set up barricades and warning signs when using a ladder in a doorway or passageway. - Before mounting a ladder, clean the boot soles if they are muddy or slippery. Avoid climbing with wet soles. Ensure that footwear is in good condition. - Face the ladder when going up or down and when working from it. - Keep the centre of your body within the middle of the side rails. - Consider having another worker hold and support the base of the ladder when needed Refer to safety regulations for specific measurement requirements. Refer to the CSA Z11-18 (R2022) Portable Ladders standard or the most current version for more requirements. ## What should you avoid when using a portable ladder? - Do not use a ladder in a horizontal position as a scaffold plank or runway. - Do not carry objects in your hands while on a ladder. Hoist materials or attach tools to a belt. - Do not work from the top three rungs. The higher a person goes on a ladder, the greater the possibility that the ladder will slip out at the base. - Do not use items such as a chair, barrel or box as a makeshift ladder. - Do not use a portable ladder when other types of equipment and safe means of access are available. Replace a ladder with a fixed…

[2] Ladders - Climbing Up and Down Safely

Page 3

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Ladders - Climbing Up and Down Safely (cont.) ## What should you not do when climbing up or down a ladder? (cont.) Do not wear loose clothing, jewellery, or anything else that may catch while climbing. ## What are other tips when working on or near ladders? Other tips include: - If working near electricity, do not use an aluminum ladder. Follow your jurisdiction's guidelines on the distances recommended for each level of electrical voltage that may be present. - Set up warning signs, barricades, lock the door, etc. as necessary to prevent other employees from bumping into the ladder. - Work from the center of the ladder. If you cannot reach, climb down and move the ladder. - Do not "shift" or "walk" a stepladder when standing on it. - Do not use tools that require a lot of leverage (such as a pry or pinch bar) as this motion may cause you to be unbalanced or fall. - Do not stand, climb, or sit on the stepladder top or pail shelf. - Do not stand on or above the top two rungs or steps of the ladder. - Do not allow another person to work below the ladder. - Do not use a ladder during high winds or other extreme weather. - Make sure all workers who may climb a ladder are properly trained. Fact sheet first published: 2019-01-14 Fact sheet last revised: 2025-04-15 ## Disclaimer Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information. Ladders - Climbing Up and Down Safely CCOHS

[3] Safety and Health Regulations for Construction (OSHA 29 CFR 1926) - 1926.1053 - Ladders

Page 11

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Occupational Safety and Health Administration (cont.) ## 1926.1053(b)(13) (cont.) Immediately tagged with "Do Not Use" or similar language, 1926.1053(b)(17)(ii) Marked in a manner that readily identifies it as defective; 1926.1053(b)(17)(iii) Or blocked (such as with a plywood attachment that spans several rungs). - 1926.1053(b)(18) Ladder repairs shall restore the ladder to a condition meeting its original design criteria, before the ladder is returned to use. - 1926.1053(b)(19) - Single-rail ladders shall not be used. - 1926.1053(b)(20) - When ascending or descending a ladder, the user shall face the ladder. - 1926.1053(b)(21) Each employee shall use at least one hand to grasp the ladder when progressing up and/or down the ladder. - 1926.1053(b)(22) An employee shall not carry any object or load that could cause the employee to lose balance and fall. [55 FR [redacted postal code], Nov. 14, 1990; 56 FR 2585, Jan. 23, 1991; 56 FR [redacted postal code], Aug. 23, 1991; 79 FR [redacted postal code], Apr. 11, 2014] Scroll to Top + OSHA Standards Enforcement Topics Media Center Contact Us DIPARTMENT OF LABOR UNITED STATES OF Submit Feedback

[4] Ladders - Climbing Up and Down Safely

Page 2

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Ladders - Climbing Up and Down Safely (cont.) ## What should you do when climbing up or down a ladder? (cont.) - Place feet firmly on each rung. - Wearing footwear with heels can help to stop the foot from slipping forward. - You have climbed too high if your knees are above top of the ladder or if you cannot maintain a handhold on the ladder. - Rise or lower tools and materials using a hoist, hand-line, bucket or other device. - If using an extension ladder, be careful when stepping or gripping near the locks as the locks will obscure part of the rung. - In most cases, only allow one person on a ladder at a time. Wait until the other person has stepped off the ladder before another person uses it. - Have a second person hold the bottom of a long ladder, especially when tying or untying an extension ladder. - Use the appropriate safety devices when needed (e.g., safety belt, fall restraint, etc.). Check with your jurisdiction for requirements when working at heights near or above 3 metres (10 feet). - Make sure that any harnesses or ties do not interfere with safe travel when on the ladder. 1 2 3 3-Point Contact ## What should you not do when climbing up or down a ladder? - Do not hurry up or slide down a ladder. - Do not jump from a ladder. Check footing before descending a ladder. - Do not carry tools or materials in your hand while climbing. Ladders - Climbing Up and Down Safely CCOHS

[5] General Industry Safety and Health Standards (MIOSHA)

Page 9

Open source document

Source excerpt

# 1910.23 LADDERS (a) Application. The employer must ensure that each ladder used meets the requirements of this section. This section covers all ladders, except when the ladder is: (1) Used in emergency operations such as firefighting, rescue, and tactical law enforcement operations, or training for these operations; or (2) Designed into or is an integral part of machines or equipment. (b) General requirements for all ladders. The employer must ensure: (1) Ladder rungs, steps, and cleats are parallel, level, and uniformly spaced when the ladder is in position for use; (2) Ladder rungs, steps, and cleats are spaced not less than 10 inches (25 cm) and not more than 14 inches cm) apart, as measured between the centerlines of the rungs, cleats, and steps, except that: (i) Ladder rungs and steps in elevator shafts must be spaced not less than 6 inches (15 cm) apart and not more than 16.5 inches (42 cm) apart, as measured along the ladder side rails; and (ii) Fixed ladder rungs and steps on telecommunication towers must be spaced not more than 18 inches cm) apart, measured between the centerlines of the rungs or steps; (3) Steps on stepstools are spaced not less than 8 inches (20 cm) apart and not more than 12 inches apart, as measured between the centerlines of the steps; (4) Ladder rungs, steps, and cleats have a minimum clear width of 11.5 inches (29 cm) on portable ladders and 16 inches 1 cm) (measured before installation of ladder safety systems) for fixed ladders, except that: (i) The minimum clear width does not apply to ladders with narrow rungs that are not designed to be stepped on, such as those located on the tapered end of orchard ladders and similar ladders; (ii) Rungs and steps of manhole entry ladders that are supported by the manhole opening must have a minimum clear width of 9 inches (23 cm); (iii) Rungs and steps on rolling ladders used in telecommunication centers must have a minimum clear width of 8 inches cm); and (iv) Stepstools have …

[6] Safety and Health Regulations for Construction (OSHA 29 CFR 1926) - 1926.1053 - Ladders

Page 9

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Occupational Safety and Health Administration (cont.) ## 1926.1053(b)(1) (cont.) Ladders shall not be loaded beyond the maximum intended load for which they were built, nor beyond their manufacturer's rated capacity. 1926.1053(b)(4). Ladders shall be used only for the purpose for which they were designed. 1926.1053(b)(5) 1926.1053(b)(5).(i). Non-self-supporting ladders shall be used at an angle such that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is approximately one-quarter of the working length of the ladder (the distance along the ladder between the foot and the top support). ## 1926.1053(b)(5)(ii) Wood job-made ladders with spliced side rails shall be used at an angle such that the horizontal distance is one-eighth the working length of the ladder. ## 1926.1053(b)(5)(iii). Fixed ladders shall be used at a pitch no greater than 90 degrees from the horizontal, as measured to the back side of the ladder. ## 1926.1053(b)(6). Ladders shall be used only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental displacement. ## 1926.1053(b)(7). Ladders shall not be used on slippery surfaces unless secured or provided with slip-resistant feet to prevent accidental displacement. Slip-resistant feet shall not be used as a substitute for care in placing, lashing, or holding a ladder that is used upon slippery surfaces including, but not limited to, flat metal or concrete surfaces that are constructed so they cannot be prevented from becoming slippery. ## 1926.1053(b)(8). Ladders placed in any location where they can be displaced by workplace activities or traffic, such as in passageways, doorways, or driveways, shall be secured to prevent accidental displacement, or a barricade shall be used to keep the activities or traffic away from the ladder. ## 1926.1053(b)(9) The area around the top and bottom of ladders shall be kept clear. Submit Feedback

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