OSHA 10 Hour Construction Course Fact Sheet 6 .

Ladder Safety
Relevant Regulations Reasons to Study/Hazards Precautions to Take
OSHA's Ladder Safety standards for construction are Falls from ladders are consistently the most common Workers need to be trained on proper ladder use.
included in 29 CFR 1926, Subpart X. source of fall fatalities. There are many regulations, such as requirements for
fixed ladders versus portable ladders, length restric-
These regulations apply to all stairways and ladders In addition to fatalities, falls from ladders may also tions, types of rungs, cleats, and steps, use of fall
used and constructed while performing construction- result in: protection, cages and wells, and more.
related work. Subpart X outlines requirements for • Broken bones • Joint dislocation

prevent damage. Select the proper ladder for the job. Do not use the ladder for a use it
• Head trauma • Back injuries.

Careless climbing and loss Maintain three point contact at all times when on a ladder. Never use a ladder in high
designing, using and maintaining ladders in the

Use barriers and signs to indicate the ladder base. Never leave the base of the ladder
ladder; use a rope and bucket to bring them to the workstation. When carrying tools

Always inspect ladders before and after use. Store and transport ladders properly to
attached to your body take care to maintain your center of gravity. Use barriers and
Never carry equipment or materials in your hands when ascending or descending a
• Sprains

winds. Never stand on the top rung of the ladder. Never work with one foot on the
construction industry.

Select the proper leaning surface for extension ladders. Use dry ladders on good

was not intended for. Never allow more than one person on a ladder at a time.
Falls aren't the only hazard. Ladder users may suffer
OSHA’s Ladder Safety standards for general industry

ladder and one on the work surface. Use fall protection when appropriate.
from electric shock if a metal ladder touches a live
are included in 29 CFR 1910, Subpart D.
wire. People working below or near ladders also face
hazards from falling objects.
These regulations apply to all permanent places of
employment.

Avoid leaning or stretching. Use the right ladder for the job.

Use care around live wires and electrical components.

canopies to protect people below from falling objects.
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American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has

ground. Select the proper shoe for the climb.

adopted standards for the design and use of ladders.

Ways to Avoid These Common Mistakes

Any ladder designed and built in full accord with the Fixed Ladder
ANSI standards is also recognized as meeting OSHA
requirements.

http://www.ansi.org/
Extension Ladder
You must also know and apply the manufacturer's
requirements.

unattended.
Portable Ladder

Using on slippery surfaces

Carrying equipment while

ascending or descending

Unguarded ladder bases

Five Main Steps for Safely Mounting and

Made by Ladder Users

or when ladder itself is

the ladder and falling

Climbing a Ladder:
Common Mistakes

Reaching too far

1. Check shoes

Electric shock
Ladder failure
2. Look up

of balance
3. Mount the ladder

slippery

objects
4. Climb
5. Center your body.