March is Ladder Safety Month—the perfect time to review ladder safety in the workplace.

Workers who use extension ladders risk permanent injury or death from falls and electrocutions. These hazards can be eliminated or substantially reduced by following good safety practices. OSHA’s requirements for extension ladders are in Subpart X—Stairways and Ladders of OSHA’s Construction Standards.

What Is an Extension Ladder?

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.

To safely use extension ladders and prevent falls, remember to PLAN, PROVIDE, and TRAIN.

• PLAN ahead to get the job done safely. See OSHA’s Fact Sheet on the Safe Use of Extension Ladders for information on ladder selection, inspection, site hazards and other steps to take when planning to use an extension ladder.
• PROVIDE the right extension ladder for the job with the proper load capacity. Select a ladder based on the expected load capacity (duty rating), the type of work to be done and the correct height.
• TRAIN workers to use extension ladders safely. Employers must train each worker to recognize and minimize ladder-related hazards.

Safe ladder use

DO

• Maintain a 3-point contact (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) when climbing/descending a ladder.
• Face the ladder when climbing up or descending.
• Keep the body inside the side rails.
• Use extra care when getting on or off the ladder at the top or bottom. Avoid tipping the ladder over sideways or causing the ladder base to slide out.
• Carry tools in a tool belt or raise tools up using a hand line. Never carry tools in your hands while climbing up/down a ladder.
• Extend the top of the ladder three feet above the landing.
• Keep ladders free of any slippery materials.

Safe ladder use

DO NOT

• Place a ladder on boxes, barrels, or unstable bases.
• Use a ladder on soft ground or unstable footing.
• Exceed the ladder’s maximum load rating.
• Tie two ladders together to make them longer.
• Ignore nearby overhead power lines.
• Move or shift a ladder with a person or equipment on the ladder.
• Lean out beyond the ladder’s side rails.
• Use an extension ladder horizontally like a platform.