Why Ladder Safety is so Important ?

 Falls from portable ladders are a major source of injury in

the workplace.

 A study reveals that 43% of fatal falls and 20% of

occupational fall injuries involve ladders.

 Using a ladder for purposes not anticipated in its design is

the most common cause of falls.

 Being a common item everywhere & the simplicity of usage

generates the false impression that ladder work requires no

special knowledge or skills. The opposite is true.

 Types of Industrial Ladders

 Single Pole Ladders

or Straight Ladders.
 Extension Ladders.
 Step Ladders.
 Dual Purpose Ladders
(stepladder hinged to
provide an extension).
 Platform (podium)
Ladders.
 Common causes of Ladder Accidents

 Selecting the Wrong Type of Ladder.

 Using Worn or Damaged Ladders.
 Insufficient Height.
 Combining 2 or more ladders.
 Placing ladders on unstable surfaces.
 Overreaching / leaning.
 Missing the last step of the ladder when climbing down.

While some of these practices may seem to be failures of

common sense, many unsafe uses of a ladder can be
corrected with the proper training.
 Ladder Safety Rules

Ladders are tools.

Many of the basic safety
rules that apply to most
tools also apply to the
safe use of a ladder.
A large number of
injuries occur each year
from the improper use of
ladders.
 Ladder Safety Rules - 1

 Ladders should be
used for access only.
 Inspect the ladder to
ensure that there is
no damage or
obvious defects
such as cracks,
missing pieces, bent
stiles or rungs, worn
rubber feet.
 Ladder Safety Rules - 2

Most ladders are designed to support one person only.

Allow only one person at a time on a ladder unless the
ladder is specifically designed for two people.
 Ladder Safety Rules – 3

Always face the ladder while ascending or Descending.

with both the hands free (without any loads on hand).
Never carry heavy or bulky loads up a ladder.
 Ladder Safety Rules – 4

Use the ladder at a safe

angle. (75 Degrees).
When placing your
ladder, Remember the
rule (4 -1) (Four To One):
For every four feet of
height you have to climb,
move the base one foot
away from the wall.
 Ladder Safety Rules – 5

3 Point Contacts
 Maintain three points of
contact while climbing
(this means a hand &
two feet (OR) two hands
& one foot).
 Break 3-point contact
only when you reach the
ground or a stable
platform.
 Ladder Safety Rules – 6

Where two hands need to

be free for a short period
 Always keep two feet on
the same step.
 The body supported by
the stepladder to
maintain three points of
contact.
 Make sure a safe
handhold is available.
 Ladder Safety Rules – 7
 Do not Over-reach. When you start to lean over too far, you tend
lose your balance.
 Position the ladder as close as possible to the work. Do not reach
out, move the ladder instead.
 Ladder Safety Rules – 8

 When accessing
another level, the
ladder must be
extended atleast 3 feet
(0.9 Meters) above the
landing surface to
provide a hand hold for
getting on and off the
ladder.
 Ladder Safety Rules – 9

 In order to prevent the

displacement of the
ladder, it should be
secured firmly at the
top and the bottom.
 Additionally, a ladder
Tie-Off arrangement is
also advisable for
better safety.
 Ladder Safety Rules – 10

 Never stand on the TOP

rung for working.

 Don't stand higher than

the fourth rung from
the top.
Ladder Safety Rules – 10 (Contd…)
 Ladder Safety Rules – 11

 The ladder should

be placed on firm,
level ground.

 Do not place a
ladder on unstable
footing or loose
ground;
 Ladder Safety Rules – 12

 Use step ladders

only with lockable
spreader bars
(Hinge Joints) on
both sides
connected to the
front and rear
stiles.
 Ladder Safety Rules – 13

 Do Not sit on the

Ladders.
 Work on a ladder for
a maximum of 15 to
30 minutes at a time.
 Ladder Safety Rules – 14

 Any repairs to a ladder should be carried out using the same

materials and to the original manufacturer's design
specification or preferably done by the manufacturer.
 A Quick Recap
Ladders to be used for access only. Secure ladder at top and bottom.

Ladders should be free from defects. Never stand on top rung.

Only one person at a time. Ladder should be on levelled surface.

Always face the ladder while using. Step ladders to be used with locks.

Do not carry heavy materials. Do not sit on ladders.

Use safe angle – 75 Degree; (4 :1 Rule) Do not work for more than 30 Minutes.

Always have 3 Point Contacts. Do Not Over Reach.

Break 3 Point on ground or at platform. Read safety instructions carefully.

Ladder to be extended 3 feet above Repairs on ladders should be done in

landing surface. line with OEM specifications only.
 To Conclude

The problem with ladders is that everyone assumes

they are so simple as to need no training.

The assumption that there is nothing to learn about

ladder safety is the first mistake many workers make.

Ladder use should be approached with caution,

ensuring all relevant checks are made.
This presentation is only for educational, training
purpose and absolutely free for all.

Special thanks to all those who had contributed

the photos, images, cartoons and articles for this
presentation.

The author is a freelance Soft skills &

Construction Safety Trainer and can be reached
at "sureshgopal1963@gmail.com" .