Ladder Safety: The “Just This Once” Trap

Frequently Asked Questions

What usually causes ladder injuries on routine jobs?

The post says most ladder accidents start with small shortcuts that seem harmless in the moment. Common examples include using the nearest ladder instead of the right one, skipping checks, setting it on uneven ground, climbing with tools in hand, and overreaching.

What should workers check before using a ladder?

The post recommends pre-use checks before every job. It specifically calls out checking rails, rungs, feet, locks, and the ladder’s overall condition.

What ladder practices should be required every time?

The post says every use should include stable setup, the proper ladder angle, three points of contact, and no overreaching. If a worker needs to reach farther, they should climb down and reposition instead.

When should a ladder not be used for the task?

The post says to stop ladder work when the job really needs a platform, lift, or scaffold instead. That helps prevent workers from forcing a ladder into a task it is not suited for.

How can supervisors help prevent shortcut-driven ladder incidents?

The post says ladder incidents are often tied to rushing, poor ladder selection, unstable footing, and normalized rule-bending. A short field reminder from a supervisor can interrupt that pattern, especially when the message is that if it feels like a shortcut, it probably is.