Ladder Safety

Two orange and yellow Werner ladders placed in the center of a construction site.

Because ladders are common tools used every day, many people forget proper ladder safety. It's important to remember that ladder injuries are easily preventable if you think before acting.

Avoid ladder injuries with these ladder safety suggestions

  • Do not use the top step/rung of a ladder as a step/rung unless it was designed for that purpose 
  • Ladders must be free of any slippery material on the rungs, steps or feet 
  • Properly set and use the ladder according to safety instructions and warnings 
  • Wear shoes with non-slip soles
  • Always maintain a 3-point (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) contact on the ladder when climbing, and keep your body near the middle of the step. 
  • Be aware of the ladder’s load rating and of the weight it is supporting, including the weight of any tools or equipment. DON'T exceed the maximum load capacity or duty rating of a ladder. 
  • DON’T permit more than one person on a single-sided stepladder or an extension ladder.
  • Be sure that all locks on an extension ladder are properly set. 
  • DON'T climb a closed stepladder. 
  • Haul materials with a line rather than carry them up an extension ladder. 
  • Use a ladder only on a stable and level surface, unless it has been secured (top or bottom) to prevent displacement. 
  • DON'T place the base of an extension ladder too close to or too far away from the your vertical surface. 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 building.

Making smart decisions while using any type of ladder is a must. Each ladder has directions specific to that ladder type, so be sure to know what capabilities are offered. Remember, ladder injuries are easily preventable.

a couple painting an interior wall red. The women is leaning on a step ladder holding a paint roller and cover while the man is kneeling on the ground painting around the trim

Three people holding a step ladder in front of a brightly painted wall and a green thumbs up icon in the bottom right hand corner