Ladder Safety Tips
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Ladder safety should start before even stepping foot on one. The improper use of a ladder, or using an object other than a ladder to reach an item, can result in serious injury due to over-reaching or falling. Statistics suggest that workers are more likely to abuse and misuse ladders rather than use them correctly in the workplace.
![Ladders are used at jobsites across many industries. Improper use can result in serious and painful injuries. Safety starts before a ladder is even mounted. LADDER VIOLATIONS RANKED 8th with total of 3,244 total citations among OSHA's top 10 most frequently cited standards. About 16% OF ALL FATAL INJURIES in the construction industry and 24% OF NON-FATAL INJURIES involving days away from work area result from the misuse of LADDERS.*](https://asset.trvstatic.com/images/assets/ladder-safety-stats-and-tips.jpg/514e82021f4a11ee88c9aa70affde76b)
There are a number of factors that must be considered when working with ladders, and following key practices of ladder safety can help prevent a potential injury.
- Inspect a ladder for cracks, loose rungs, slivers and sharp edges prior to every use. If the ladder appears to be in poor condition, do not use it.
- Use caution while carrying or moving ladders.
- Practice team lifting if the ladder is too long or heavy for one person to move.
- Ladders should be carried horizontally rather than vertically, unless it is lightweight or under eight feet tall.
- Ensure ladders are set on firm ground and against a solid support during use.
- When using a non-self-supporting ladder, which must lean against a wall or other support, be sure to position it at such an angle that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is about 1/4 the working length of the ladder.
- Always completely open the step ladder and make certain it is stable before using it.
- Make note of the maximum intended load and manufacturer's rated capacity when selecting and using ladders.
- Do not stand higher than the second step from the top.
- Never stand or sit on the top step.
- Do not use metal ladders near electrical exposures.