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Write a toolbox talk on Ladder

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Portable ladder safety starts with choosing the right ladder for the job, using it only for its intended purpose, and following all ladder labels and manufacturer markings. Stepladders must be fully opened with spreaders locked, and must never be used in a partially closed position or leaned like a straight ladder. Extension ladders are non-self-supporting and must be used against a stable structure that can support the intended load. [1] [10] [6] [2]

Before each use, inspect the ladder carefully.

  • Check that rungs, cleats, steps, side rails, bolts, rivets, hardware, fittings, ropes, and movable parts are present, secure, and working properly.
  • Make sure safety feet are intact, slip-resistant, and not excessively worn.
  • Ensure the ladder is free of oil, grease, mud, paint, or other slippery substances.
  • Look for cracks, bends, splits, corrosion, missing parts, fire damage, or chemical damage.
  • If any defect is found, tag the ladder and remove it from service until repaired or discarded.

[1] [2] [6] Safe setup and positioning are critical to prevent slips, tip-overs, and falls.

  • Set ladders only on firm, level, stable, non-slippery footing.
  • Do not place ladders on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to gain extra height.
  • Keep ladders away from doors, walkways, pedestrian routes, and vehicle traffic unless the area is barricaded or the ladder is secured.
  • For extension ladders, use the 4:1 setup rule: place the base 1 foot out for every 4 feet of vertical rise.
  • Secure the top of extension ladders to prevent sideways movement or sliding.
  • When accessing an upper level, extend the side rails at least 3 feet above the landing.
  • Make sure extension ladder locks are fully engaged before climbing.

[4] [8] [7] [2] [5] [8] [8] Climbing technique matters: maintain three points of contact at all times while ascending or descending.

Three points of contact means two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, are in contact with the ladder at all times. Always face the ladder, keep your body centered between the side rails, and keep your body near the middle of the ladder. Do not carry tools or materials in your hands while climbing; use a tool belt or hand line instead. [6] [1] [5]

Key fall-prevention rules for ladder work:

  • Never stand on the top step, top cap, or top two rungs unless the ladder is specifically designed for that purpose.
  • Do not overreach or lean to the side; move the ladder closer instead.
  • Keep both feet on the ladder and do not stand on a ladder and another object at the same time.
  • Only one person should be on a ladder at a time unless the ladder is specifically designed otherwise.
  • Do not move, shift, hop, or adjust a ladder while anyone is on it.
  • Use ladders for access/egress, not as work platforms unless the ladder is designed as a platform ladder.

[1] [10] [8] [3] [4] [3] [2] [5] Load limits and damaged ladder hazards must be taken seriously.

Never exceed the ladder's duty rating. The load includes the worker, clothing, tools, materials, and any other equipment on the ladder. Overloading can make the ladder unstable or cause structural failure. Damaged ladders create hazards such as rung failure, side-rail collapse, slipping due to worn feet, and loss of stability from loose hardware or defective spreaders. Any ladder with structural damage, corrosion, missing parts, or defective components must be removed from service immediately. [2] [8] [1] [9]

OSHA and related ladder safety requirements reflected in the source documents include the following:

  • Inspect portable ladders before each use and remove damaged ladders from service.
  • Use ladders only for their designed purpose and follow labels and markings.
  • Maintain three points of contact and face the ladder while climbing.
  • Set ladders on stable, level surfaces or secure them against displacement.
  • Use the proper setup angle for extension ladders: base one-quarter of the working length from the wall.
  • Extend extension ladders at least 3 feet above the landing when used for access.
  • Do not use the top step of a stepladder or the top rungs of a straight/extension ladder as standing surfaces.
  • Keep ladders clear of electrical hazards and use nonconductive ladders where electrical contact is possible.
  • Train employees to recognize ladder hazards and safe-use procedures.

[6] [6] [6] [8] [8] [8] [6] [6] [7] Working at height procedures should be discussed before the job starts.

  • Plan the task and choose the safest access method; if the work is long-duration, requires heavy tools/materials, or involves side loading, use a scaffold, lift, or platform instead of a ladder.
  • Inspect the work area above and below the ladder for power lines, unstable ground, weather exposure, falling-object hazards, and traffic.
  • Keep the top and bottom landing areas clear.
  • Do not climb with materials in your hands; use a hand line, tool belt, or hoist.
  • Ensure workers are trained, supervised, and able to recognize ladder hazards before starting work.
  • If the ladder could be displaced by nearby work, secure it or barricade the area.
  • Stop work and replace the ladder immediately if any defect, instability, or unsafe condition is found.

[5] [10] [3] [9] [4] [8] For a toolbox talk summary: inspect before use, set up correctly, maintain three points of contact, stay centered, do not overreach, respect load limits, never use damaged ladders, control fall hazards, and train workers before working at height. Most ladder incidents happen because the ladder is defective, set up incorrectly, used on unstable ground, or the worker loses balance by carrying items or reaching too far. Safe ladder use depends on planning, inspection, proper setup, and disciplined climbing habits every time. [3] [5]

10 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Toolbox Talk: Step Ladder Checklist

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# STEP LADDER CHECKLIST Date Posted: 08/18/2016 According to OSHA, all falls account for 37% of fatalities. Falls from ladders killed 19 workers in the construction trades in Washington State between 1998 and 2011. ## GUIDELINES WHEN USING STEP LADDERS • Inspect the ladder before use for physical defects such as loose joints, grease on steps, or missing, damaged, rubber feet. • Always set all four feet of a stepladder on a level, solid, firm surface. • When using a stepladder, make sure it is fully opened and the spreaders are locked in place. • Do not use a stepladder as a straight ladder. • Never - climb the back section of a stepladder. This is not designed to climb or support your weight. • You must prohibit standing or stepping on these areas of the ladder; top cap and top step, and bucket or pail shelf. • Do not straddle the front and back of a stepladder. • Fall protection may be needed if working next to a guard rail. ## SAFE WORK PRACTICES • Check the area above and below prior to ascending or descending a ladder and be aware of any dangers that could result in injury. Always face a ladder going up and coming down. while • Keep your waist within the boundary of the side rails. Never reach out past the ladder side rails. • Always climb a ladder with both hands. Do not carry tools up or down a ladder. Use a rope or a tool bag to lower and raise tools. • Be - sure that both the ladder and your shoes are dry, and free of grease, wet paint, etc. . Do not try to move, hop, or walk a ladder while on it. ## OSHA COMMON STATS L&I SAFETY RESEARCH ## QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION • Have you ever fallen from a ladder? • Were you standing on the top steps? ## PRESENTER TIPS • Pre-read the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level and confidence will be higher if you know your topic. • Discuss related tasks, work areas or events that make the Toolbox Talk relevant to your job site. • Involve the workers by asking questions and input that drives …

[2] OSHA Quick Card - Portable Ladder Safety

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# OSHA CARD™ CARD™ QUICK # Portable Ladder Safety Falls from portable ladders (step, straight, combination and extension) are one of the leading causes of occupational fatalities and injuries. • Read and follow all labels/markings on the ladder. • Avoid electrical hazards! - Look for overhead power lines before handling a ladder. Avoid using a metal ladder near power lines or exposed energized electrical equipment. • Always inspect the ladder prior to using it. If the ladder is damaged, it must be removed from service and tagged until repaired or discarded. • Always maintain a 3-point (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) con- tact on the ladder when climbing. Keep your body near the middle of the step and always face the ladder while climbing (see diagram). • Only use ladders and appro- priate accessories (ladder levelers, jacks or hooks) for their designed purposes. - 3-Point Contact • Ladders must be free of any slippery material on the rungs, steps or feet. • Do not use a self-supporting ladder (e.g., step ladder) as a single ladder or in a partially closed position. • Do not use the top step/rung of a ladder as a step/rung unless it was designed for that purpose. (continued on reverse)

[3] Toolbox Talk: Extension Ladder Safety

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# EXTENSION LADDER SAFETY (cont.) ## TIPS FOR SAFE USE OF EXTENSION LADDERS (cont.) • Clean the ladder so it is free of grease, oil, or other slippery substances. • Ensure the extension ladder extends at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface. - Check step ladder stability. Ensure all ladder feet are on a firm, level, and non-slippery surface and cannot be accidentally displaced. Secure the ladder as necessary. • Keep your body centered between side rails. The ladder can become unstable if the body or equipment you are holding moves beyond the side rails. • Work at an appropriate height for the ladder. • Maintain three points of contact on the ladder when ascending or descending. This means consistently placing two hands and a foot or two feet and one hand on the ladder. • Keep both feet on the ladder. Do not stand simultaneously on a ladder and another object. • Use ladders with nonconductive side rails where the ladder could contact uninsulated, energized electric lines or equipment. • Ensure that all workers have been trained and documented in the safe use of ladders and can recognize ladder hazards and the procedures to minimize these hazards. • Ensure ladders are inspected, maintained, stored, and transported correctly. ## RESOURCES Chapter 296-876 WAC Ladder Safety (wa.gov) F417-268-000 Ladder Safety Guide (wa.gov) (English), F417-268-999 Guía de seguridad en escaleras (wa.gov) Ladder Safety: Reducing Falls in Construction: Safe Use of Extension Ladders Fact Sheet (osha.gov) Ladders 101 - American Ladder Institute Falls in the Workplace: Ladder Safety Mobile App | NIOSH | CDC

[4] OSHA Quick Card - Portable Ladder Safety

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# Portable Ladder Safety (cont.) • Use a ladder only on a stable and level surface, unless it has been secured (top or bottom) to prevent displacement. • Do not place a ladder on boxes, barrels or other unstable bases to obtain additional height. • Do not move or shift a ladder while a person or equipment is on the ladder. - An extension or straight ladder used to access an elevated surface must extend at least 3 feet above the point of sup- port (see diagram). Do not stand on the three top rungs of a straight, single or extension lad- der. • The proper angle for setting up a ladder is to place its base a quarter of the working length of the ladder from the wall or other vertical surface (see diagram). × 13 ft. min. to top support Distan - A ladder placed in any location where it can be displaced by other work activities must be secured to prevent displacement or a barricade must be erected to keep traffic away from the ladder. • Be sure that all locks on an extension ladder are properly engaged. • Do not exceed the maximum load rating of a ladder. Be aware of the ladder's load rating and of the weight it is supporting, including the weight of any tools or equipment. For more information: Occupational OSHA Safety and Health Administration U.S. Department of Labor www.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA (6742) OSHA 3246-10N-05

[5] Toolbox Talk: Ladder Safety

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# LADDER SAFETY Date Posted: 09/07/2016 Every year, many workers in Washington State are seriously injured from falling off ladders in their workplace. These injuries include dislocated limbs, broken bones, head injuries and even death from their injuries. ## THESE ACCIDENTS OCCUR BECAUSE: • The ladder moves, falls over, or is set up improperly. • The worker slips on the rungs, overreaches, or carries objects while climbing. • The worker stands on the top step of the ladder. • The ladder being used in not in good condition. ## INSPECTION - Before beginning any work involving a ladder: • Look for missing or loose cleats at the bottom. • Look for loose or missing screws, bolts or nails on job made ladders • Look for cracked, broken, split, dented or badly worn rungs, cleats or side rails. • Splinters on wood ladders, or corrosion on metal ladders. ## LADDER USE • Always use the right ladder for the task. • Keep the area at the top and bottom of the ladder clear of tool cords, tools material and garbage. • Always set the ladder on solid footing. • Use a twenty-five percent (25%) angle on the slope of an extension ladder. • When using extension ladders, the ladder must be 36" (3 feet) above the landing. • Always secure the top of an extension ladder to prevent it from sliding. • Don't lean to the side when on a ladder. • Do not carry tools or materials on a ladder. Use a hand line to raise or lower tools, equipment or materials. • Always face the ladder. • Use 3 point contact when climbing a ladder. • Only one person on a ladder at a time. • Never lean a stepladder; always fully open a stepladder. ## QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION • What is the most common ladder safety issue you see in your workplace? • Why is it important to inspect the ladder prior to each use? • Why is it important to extend a non self supporting ladder beyond the point of contact? ## PRESENTER TIPS • Pre-read the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level and confidence will be hi…

[6] Toolbox Talk: Extension Ladder Safety

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# EXTENSION LADDER SAFETY Date Posted: 05/15/2024 Although one of the most common tools used on a construction site, extension ladders can lead to severe injuries or even fatal incidents if improperly used. Ladders are involved in 20 percent of fall injuries among workers and 81 percent of construction worker fall injuries. The latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data shows that ladders were the primary source of 161 fatal work injuries in 2020 nationally. Additionally, a ladder was the primary source of 22,710 injuries that year. The BLS also says "construction and extraction" had the second-most nonfatal injuries in 2020, with 5,370. Only "installation, maintenance and repair" (5,790) had more nonfatal injuries associated with ladder use or misuse. ## WHAT IS AN EXTENSION LADDER WAC [redacted identifier] defines an extension ladder as "A non-self-supporting portable ladder which is adjustable in length." Also known as "portable ladders," extension ladders usually have two sections that operate in brackets or guides, allowing for adjustable lengths. Because extension ladders are not self-supporting, they require a stable structure that can withstand the intended load. ## PROPER EXTENSION LADDER SET-UP Setting the ladder at the correct angle is one of the most critical steps to a safe setup. Start by leaning the ladder at a 4:1 ratio. This means that the base needs to be one foot away for every four feet of height between the base and where the ladder contacts the structure you're leaning against. Too steep, and it could tip over backward. Too much angle and it could bend, or the bottom could slide out. ## EXTENSION LADDER DUTY RATINGS Even though they may all look the same, each ladder has a different load limit. WAC [redacted identifier] defines a ladder's maximum intended load as "the total load of all persons, equipment, tools, materials, transmitted loads, and other loads reasonably anticipated to be applied to a ladder or ladder component at…

[7] Ladder Safety Checklist

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Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Division of Occupational Safety and Health # Ladder Safety Checklist Date: <empty> Employer/Business: <empty> Completed By (Name/Title): <empty> Job Location: <empty> Length of Ladder: <empty> <table><tr><th>Ladders, Portable and Fixed WAC 296-876</th><th>Yes</th><th>No</th><th>N/A</th></tr><tr><td>Have all employees received training from a competent person to recognize ladder hazards and the procedures to minimize these hazards? 876-[redacted postal code]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Has the right ladder been selected for the job? 876-[redacted postal code]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Has the ladder been inspected for defects, cracks, corrosion, and are bolts and rivets secure? 876-[redacted postal code]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Have unsafe ladders been tagged and removed from service? 876-[redacted postal code](4)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Has the ladder been placed away from overhead electrical wires? 876-[redacted postal code]</td><td></td><td>ום</td><td>וחו</td></tr><tr><td>Is a non-conductive ladder (e.g. fiberglass) in use if there is any chance of contact with electricity? 876-[redacted postal code](1)</td><td></td><td>ם</td><td>ח</td></tr><tr><td>Do the ladder's feet work properly and have slip-resistant pads? 876-[redacted postal code](1)</td><td></td><td>ום</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Has the ladder been placed away from exit doors and/or away from the path of pedestrians or vehicle traffic? If placed in front of a door — is the door open or locked shut? 876-[redacted postal code]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Has the ladder been placed on firm, level footing and is there rigid support for the top of the ladder? 876-[redacted postal code]</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Is the load the ladder is supporting within the manufacture's duty rating? 876-[redacted postal code](2)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><…

[8] Worker Hospitalization Alert: Roofer Falls From Extension Ladder

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# Roofer Falls From Extension Ladder (cont.) ## Contributing Factors The ladder was not on a firm, level surface. The base of the ladder was set up with one foot on the concrete walkway and the other foot in the soft mulch of the flowerbed. The ladder did not extend at least 3 feet above the surface of the roof. The ladder was placed against the gutter, and extended above it by only one or two rungs. No ladder training. The employer did not train workers to recognize or respond to ladder hazards, as required. No ladder inspection. The employer did not ensure the ladder was in good working condition. The ladder was in service with a damaged rung. Workers previously reported this damage to the employer, but the ladder was not fixed or removed from service. ## Recommendations Plan for safety. Conduct pre-shift safety meetings to discuss jobsite hazards. Discuss how to move materials safely-do not climb ladder with materials in hand. Carry tools in a tool belt or raise tools up using a hand line. Proper ladder use. Face the ladder and maintain three points of contact while climbing and descending. Avoid leaning or reaching that could cause the ladder to tip sideways or the base to slide. Never use a damaged ladder. Perform spot checks. Employers should perform daily spot checks to ensure their workers are maintaining proper ladder safety procedures. ## Requirements ■ Training. Employers must train employees to recognize ladder hazards and the procedures to minimize these hazards. See WAC 296-876-[redacted postal code](1) ■ Condition and inspection. Employers must keep portable ladders in good, usable condition. See WAC 296-876-[redacted postal code](1) - Support. You must place the ladder either with a secure footing on a firm, level support surface, or secure the ladder to prevent accidental displacement. See WAC 296-876-[redacted postal code](1) ■ Getting on and off ladders at upper levels. You must make sure a ladder used to access an upper level has t…

[9] Toolbox Talk: Step Ladder Safety

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# STEP LADDER SAFETY Date Posted: 05/29/2024 According to the According to Washington Administrative Code (WAC) [redacted identifier], "A self-supporting portable ladder, nonadjustable in length, with flat steps and hinged at the top. The size is designated by the overall length of the ladder measured along the front edge of the side rails." A stepladder is a handy, simple tool, but if you do not choose the right one for the job or it is not maintained properly, you have an increased risk of injury. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), falls are among the top five causes of fatal occupational injuries. In 2020, there were 105 deaths from movable ladders and 5 deaths from fixed ladders. Additionally, a ladder was the primary source of 22,710 injuries that year. ## SELECTING THE RIGHT STEP LADDER A stepladder is a folding ladder with flat steps and a small platform. It's the smallest ladder and is typically used in smaller projects that don't require much extra height. Stepladders are made of metal/aluminum, wood, and fiberglass. Choosing the right ladder for the job is very important. For example, because metal is a great conductor of electricity, it would be best to use a fiberglass ladder for electrical work. ## STEP LADDER DUTY RATINGS Even though they may all look the same, each ladder has a different load limit. Therefore, you want to ensure that the ladder you use is designed to carry your weight and the weight of the equipment being carried up and down the ladder. Otherwise, the ladder may become unstable and cause injury. ## INSPECTING THE STEP LADDER • Workers should conduct inspections of step ladders by checking the following items: • Joints between the steps or rungs and the side rails are tight. • Rungs, cleats, or steps are not bent, broken, or missing. • Side rails are not bent, broken, or split. • All bolts and rivets are in place and secure. Hardware, fittings, and accessories are securely attached and working properly. …

[10] SafetyWorks! Toolbox Talks: Ladder Safety

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# SafetyWorks! Toolbox Talks # Subject: Ladders Injuries in the workplace because of ladder are commonplace. Falls from ladders can be as painful as a fall from a roof; about a third of all reported falls are falls from ladders. Many of the fall related injuries result from the improper use or the use of a defective ladder. Step/extension ladders are made to access/egress upper levels, not to be used as work platforms. There are specifically designed ladders for use as work platforms such as order pickers. These ladders are constructed with a small platform and guardrail. The following safe work rules should be observed when working with ladders. ## Guide for Discussion Inspection - Look for missing or loose cleats at the bottom. • Look for loose or missing screws, bolts or nails on job made ladders • Look for cracked, broken, split, dented or badly worn rungs, cleats or side rails. • Splinters on wood ladders. • Corrosion on metal ladders. ## Ladder Use • Always use the right ladder for the right job. • Don't set your ladder in a walkway or door opening. • Keep the area at the top and bottom of the ladder clear of tool cords, tools, material and garbage. • Always set the ladder on solid footing. • Use a twenty-five percent (4:1) angle on the slope of the ladder. • When using extension ladders, the three (3) top rungs must extend beyond the landing platform. (Or the top of an extension ladder must be 36" (3 feet) above the landing. - Don't lean to the side when on a ladder or you may tip over. • Do not carry tools or materials on a ladder. Use both hands when climbing a ladder to grab onto the side rails. If it is necessary to move material or tools up a ladder, first climb up, then pull up the work with a hand line. • Only one person on a ladder at a time (unless the ladder is double cleated). • Always secure the top of the ladder to prevent it from sliding. • Never lean a step ladder; always fully open a step ladder. • Always face the ladde…

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