Ladder Safety: What Good Looks Like

Ladders are used every day across many work environments, but they are also a leading source of injuries when basic practices are overlooked. This quick guide focuses on what good looks like in real use.

Why Ladder Safety Matters

Falls from ladders can result in serious injuries, even from relatively low heights. Taking a few extra moments to check your setup and positioning can prevent incidents that impact both people and operations.

Common Gaps to Watch For

  • Using the wrong ladder for the task or height

  • Placing ladders on uneven or unstable surfaces

  • Overreaching instead of repositioning

  • Skipping inspections before use

  • Rushing through setup in high-pressure situations

What Good Looks Like

  • The correct ladder is selected for the task and height

  • Ladders are placed on stable, level surfaces

  • Three points of contact are maintained at all times

  • Ladders are inspected before each use

  • Work is paused to reposition instead of overreaching

Quick Team Reminder

Before climbing, take a moment to check:

  • Is this the right ladder for the job?

  • Is it stable and positioned correctly?

  • Am I set up to maintain three points of contact?

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PPE Basics: What Good Looks Like