Ladder Hazards: Issues
- Each year, there are more than 164,000 emergency room-treated injuries and 300 deaths in the U.S. caused by falls from ladders.
- Most ladder deaths are from falls of 10 feet or less.
- Falls from ladders are the leading cause of deaths on construction sites.
- The most common cause of ladder accidents is human error.
Sources of Hazards:
- Not following the manufacturer’s instructions and labels on the ladder.
- Exceeding the load rating and not considering the weight of all tools, materials, and equipment.
- Ladders in close proximity to electrical wiring/equipment.
- Ladders on slippery or unstable surfaces.
- Improper ladder use, using damaged ladders, and missing fall protection.
- Reaching outside ladder side rails.
Regulations:
Extension Ladders:
1926.1051(a): A stairway or ladder shall be provided at all personnel points of access where there is a break in elevation of 19 inches (48 cm) or more.
1926.1051(a)(2): A double-cleated ladder or two or more separate ladders shall be provided when ladders are the only means of access or exit from a working area for 25 or more employees, or when a ladder is used for simultaneous two-way traffic.
1926.1051(a)(3): When a building or structure has only one point of access between levels, that access shall be kept clear to permit free passage of employees.
1926.1053(b)(22): An employee shall not carry any object or load that could cause loss of balance and a fall.
1926.1053(b)(1): Portable ladders used for access to an upper landing surface shall extend at least 3 feet (.9 m) above the landing surface, or be secured at the top with a grasping device provided. The extension must not create a condition where ladder deflection could cause slipping.
1926.1053(b)(3): Ladders shall not be loaded beyond their maximum intended load or manufacturer’s rated capacity.
1926.1053(b)(5)(i): Non-self-supporting ladders shall be used at an angle where the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot is approximately one-quarter of the working length of the ladder.
Important Ladder Information and Rules:
- The three points of contact rule requires maintaining contact with two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot, at all times while climbing or descending to reduce slips and falls.
- The base of the ladder should be placed one foot away from the building for every four feet of height (4-to-1 rule).
- When choosing an extension ladder, consider the maximum reach needed, the 4-to-1 rule, and site conditions.
- Human error is the leading cause of ladder accidents. Never use a ladder in any way other than intended or modify it.
- Keep your body (belt buckle) between the side rails and avoid overreaching.
- Ladders shall not be placed on boxes, barrels, lifts, or other unstable bases.
- Extension ladders shall only be adjusted from the ground, not while on the ladder.
- An employee shall not carry any object or load that could cause loss of balance and a fall.
- Use scissor lifts, boom lifts, scaffolds, temporary flooring, or platforms instead of ladders when possible.
- Inspect ladders every day and before use.
What You Need to Know About Extension Ladders:
Do’s:
- Do grip ladder rungs and face the ladder while climbing or descending.
- Do follow the 1-to-4 rule (base one-quarter of working length from wall).
- Do extend the ladder 3 feet above the landing surface.
- Do secure the ladder at the top.
- Do maintain three points of contact while climbing or descending.
- Do keep your belt buckle between the side rails (belt buckle rule).
- Do follow the one-to-one principle for safe clearance from fall hazards.
- Do place ladders on level, stable surfaces with all feet in contact.
- Do use ladders as a last option after considering lifts or scaffolding.
Don’ts:
- Don’t move or extend a ladder while standing on it.
- Don’t work off the top four rungs.
- Don’t use ladders on slippery or unstable surfaces.
- Don’t use ladders near power lines.
- Don’t use ladders unless inspected by a trained or competent person.
- Don’t set up or take down a ladder while it is extended.
- Don’t allow clutter at the top or bottom of the ladder.
- Don’t use ladders in high-traffic or blind-spot areas without a controlled work zone.
- Don’t carry items while climbing a ladder.
