Below are safety measures to take when using a ladder at work and should be practiced when you use a ladder at home to prevent accidents.

Select the correct ladder for the job

• If unsure, ask a supervisor. For example: wooden ladders should be used around electrical hazards instead of a metal ladder.

Before mounting any ladder, make sure it’s in working condition:

• Check that all rungs (steps) are intact and free of residue that could make the surface slippery.
• If the ladder is not in good condition, discontinue use and replace.

Ladder Placement:

• When placing a ladder against a wall, make sure the bottom of the ladder is placed at a 4:1 ratio. The base of the ladder should be placed so that it is one foot away from the building for every four feet of height to where the ladder rests against the building.
• Create a barricade around the ladder in high foot traffic areas.

Proper Ladder Usage:

• Face the ladder and stay centered as you ascend.
• Maintain three points of contact at all times.
• Never step above the second highest step on a step ladder or the fourth highest rung on an extension ladder.

For additional ladder safety tips, read “Falls from ladders are preventable: Make ladder safety a priority” from The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

If you use a ladder in the workplace, review this training specific to ladder safety on CSU Learn. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management (EHS/RM) at 559.278.7422 or ehsrm@mail.fresnostate.edu.