Ladder Safety – What You Need To Know

Ladders are a leading cause of Workplace injuries and come in at #6 for the Top 10 2019 OSHA Violations

Ladders are a simple tool, yet thousands of injuries occur each year from incorrect use and lack of safety checks. While there are many variations of ladders the steps needed to safely use and maintain ladders are very similar. Here are some tips to help keep your workers safe and help reduce ladder-related injuries.

When should you inspect ladders?

Inspect new ladders promptly upon receipt.
Inspect ladders before each use.
Check the condition of ladders that have been dropped or have fallen before using them again.
Inspect ladders before storing to make sure they are in good condition to store or need repair, replacement, or removal from the site.
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What should you look for when inspecting any ladder?

missing or loose steps or rungs (they are loose if you can move them by hand)
damaged or worn non-slip feet
loose nails, screws, bolts, or nuts
loose or faulty spreaders, locks, and other metal parts in poor repair
rot, decay, or warped rails in wooden ladders
cracks and exposed fiberglass in fiberglass ladders
cracked, split, worn, or broken rails, braces, steps, or rungs
sharp edges on rails and rungs
rough or splintered surfaces
corrosion, rust, oxidization, and excessive wear, especially on treads
twisted or distorted rails. Check ladders for distortion by sighting along the rails. Using a twisted or bowed ladder is hazardous.
missing identification labels

What other things should I look for when inspecting stepladders?

wobble
loose or bent hinges and hinge spreaders
broken stop on a hinge spreader
loose pail shelf

What should you look for when inspecting extension ladders?

loose, broken, or missing extension locks
defective locks that do not set properly when the ladder is extended
sufficient lubrication of working parts
defective cords, chains, and ropes
missing or defective pads or sleeves

What should you do after inspecting any ladder?

Tag any defective ladders and take them out of service.
Clean fiberglass ladders every three months. Spray lightly with a clear lacquer or paste wax.
Protect wooden ladders with a clear sealer or wood preservative.
Replace worn or frayed ropes on extension ladders.
Lubricate pulleys on extension ladders regularly.
Tag and take out of service any ladder that has defects, or is broken or bent. Destroy ladders that cannot be repaired safely by a person authorized by the manufacturer. Ladders should be destroyed in a way that makes them useless.