Ladder Safety Tips

Ladders are common everyday tools that many workers take for granted. As you read the safety guidelines, you may say: “I know that, that’s just plain common sense.” You can avoid a ladder injury if you think before you act and use ladders correctly. Your work will be easier and more productive, too. Most ladder related injuries are preventable, if you think before you climb.

THE "RIGHT" WAY TO USE A LADDER

THE "WRONG" WAY TO USE A LADDER

Werner Ladder Safety: Set Up Properly

RIGHT

Properly set-up and use the ladder in accordance with safety instructions and warnings. Wear shoes with non-slip soles.

Werner Ladder Safety: Center Body on Ladder

RIGHT

Center body on the ladder and keep belt buckle between the rails while maintaining a firm grip.

Werner Ladder Safety: Do Not Stand on Top Rung

WRONG

DON'T stand above the second step from the top of a stepladder or the fourth rung from the top of an extension ladder.

Werner Ladder Safety: Do Not Stand on Pail Shelf

WRONG

DON'T climb on the back of a stepladder. DON'T stand or sit on a stepladder top or pail shelf.

Werner Ladder Safety: Haul Materials with a Line

RIGHT

Haul materials with a line rather than carry them up an extension ladder. Use extra caution when carrying anything on a ladder.

Werner Ladder Safety: Climb Facing the Ladder

RIGHT

Climb facing the ladder, move one step at a time and firmly set one foot before moving the other.

Werner Ladder Safety: Do Not Climb Ladder While Impaired

WRONG

DON'T climb a ladder if you are not physically and mentally up to the task.

Werner Ladder Safety: Do Not Climb a Closed Ladder

WRONG

DON'T climb a closed ladder, it may slip out from under you.

Werner Ladder Safety: Carry Ladder with Another Person

RIGHT

Have another person help with a heavy ladder. Have another person hold the ladder while you are working on it.

Werner Ladder Safety: Move Materials with Caution

RIGHT

Move materials with extreme caution. Be careful pushing or pulling anything while on a ladder. You may lose your balance or tip the ladder.

Werner Ladder Safety: Do Not Over-reach

WRONG

DON'T over-reach, lean to one side or try to move a ladder while on it. Climb down and then reposition the ladder closer to your work.

Werner Ladder Safety: Do Not Exceed Load Capacity

WRONG

DON'T exceed the maximum load capacity or duty rating of a ladder. DON’T permit more than one person on a single-sided stepladder or an extension ladder.