When you think of a ladder, you may not give it much thought.  Grab it from storage, open the ladder and perform the work.  However, ladder safety is very important, but it is often times overlooked.  In fact, on OSHA’s top ten violations list from September 2020 through September 2021, ladder violations were #3.  During that time period, OSHA issued 2,018 violations of their 1926.1053 Standard.  Even though this standard applies to the construction industry, similar regulations are in place for General Industry and Agriculture.  

Let’s talk about OSHA’s Top 5 Violations and what they mean.

1. Regulation134(b)(1) – If ladders are used to access an upper landing, the ladder side rails shall extend 3 feet above the landing surface. If they do not, the ladder shall be secured at its top to a rigid support and a grasping device.  The ladder in no case be such that the ladder, under load, would cause the ladder to slip off its support. 

This basically tells us the top of the ladder needs to extend three feet above the platform, otherwise there must be a mechanism to secure it to the platform.

2. Regulation 1053(b)(4) says ladders shall be used for the purpose for which they are designed.

Be sure the ladder is used for ladder purposes only and not for other purposes such as laying it down as scaffolding and standing on it.  Always use the proper tool for the job.

3. Regulation 1053(b)(13) reminds us the top or top step of a stepladder shall not be used as a step.

Just about all ladders these days have a warning label reminding us not to stand on the top step.  This can result is a serious injury. 

4. Regulation 1053(b)(22) says employees shall not carry any object or load that could cause the employee to lose balance and fall.

Remember, maintain 3-points of contact (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) when climbing/descending a ladder.

5. Regulation 1053(b)(6) – Ladders shall be used only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental movement.

The surface you place the ladder on needs to be stable.  Rocky or wet surfaces can be dangerous and may not give you the necessary support.  Remember this also refers to scaffolding.

Some other good habits for ladder safety include:

• Choosing the right style, height, material and performance rating for the job.
• Inspect ladders before each initial use and before each work shift.
• Avoid hazards and misuse like ascending a closed ladder.
• Train and communicate ladder hazards with employees.
• Avoid aluminum ladders when working around electrical wires or power lines.
• Be sure you work facing the ladder.
• Be sure ladders are fully open and locked before climbing them.
• Check shoes to ensure they are free of grease and mud.
• Train employees on proper ladder use.
• Carry tools in pockets, in a bag attached to a belt, or raised and lowered by rope.

Don’t take ladder safety for granted - OSHA doesn’t.  It showed up as the third most frequently cited violation during their 2020-2021 enforcement activity.  

For more information on ladder safety check out these OSHA fact sheets https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3660.pdf and https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3662.pdf

For questions or additional information please contact Andy Sawan, 330.819.4728 or andrew.sawan@sedgwick.com.