Ladder Safety Rules: Extension, Stepladder, and Fixed Ladder Regs

Safety supervisor setting up an extension ladder wearing PPE with a stepladder and a fixed ladder with a ladder safety system in the background and an OSHA checklist on a clipboard

This guide explains OSHA ladder safety rules and practical compliance steps for extension ladders, stepladders, and fixed ladders in U.S. workplaces. Combining regulatory overview with inspection checklists, training requirements, and ready-to-use templates, it helps safety managers and supervisors reduce fall risks in construction, manufacturing, warehouses, and offices while meeting OSHA standards through clear procedures and recordkeeping.

Overview of OSHA Ladder Requirements: Selection and Setup

Now that we have covered the regulatory framework, we need to translate those standards into daily actions on the job site. Knowing the code is one thing; getting a crew to select the right ladder and set it up correctly at 6:00 AM is another. This section breaks down the technical specifications for extension and stepladders, ensuring you have the correct equipment before work begins.

Selecting the Right Ladder for the Job

Compliance starts in the tool crib. Most ladder accidents start before the worker even leaves the ground because someone grabbed the nearest ladder instead of the right one. Using a ladder rated for 225 pounds when a worker plus their tool belt weighs 240 pounds is an immediate violation of OSHA 1926.1053 and 1910.23. You must calculate the total weight: the employee, their clothing, safety gear, and the tools or materials they are carrying.

Type IAA (Special Duty)
Rated for 375 lbs. This is the standard for heavy construction and industrial use where heavy tools are common.

Type IA (Extra Heavy Duty)
Rated for 300 lbs. Suitable for most maintenance and construction tasks.

Type I (Heavy Duty)
Rated for 250 lbs. Acceptable for lighter trades, but often risky if workers carry heavy materials.

Type II (Medium Duty)
Rated for 225 lbs. Acceptable for light commercial painting or office maintenance but often insufficient for construction.

Type III (Light Duty)
Rated for 200 lbs. These are household ladders. They generally have no place in a commercial construction or heavy manufacturing environment as they are too easily overloaded.

Material selection is equally critical. If there is any chance of working near electrical sources, aluminum ladders are prohibited because they conduct electricity. Fiberglass is the industry standard for electrical safety, but it requires inspection for UV damage (fiber bloom) which can make the rails conductive when wet.

Extension Ladders: Setup and Safe Use

Extension ladders account for a significant percentage of severe falls because the setup relies entirely on the user’s judgment.

The 4-to-1 Rule
This is the non-negotiable geometry of ladder safety. For every four feet of height you have to climb, the base of the ladder must be one foot away from the wall. If the ladder contacts the support point at 20 feet high, the base must be 5 feet out. This creates the optimal 75.5-degree angle. If the angle is too steep, the ladder can tip backward; if it is too shallow, the bottom can slide out.

Extension Above Landing
When workers use a ladder to access an upper level, the side rails must extend at least 3 feet above the upper landing surface. This provides a handhold for transitioning on and off. If the ladder is not long enough to reach this height, you must secure the top of the ladder to a rigid support and use a grasping device, but simply getting a longer ladder is the safer, compliant choice.

Overlap Requirements
The sections of an extension ladder must overlap to maintain structural integrity. While you should always follow the manufacturer’s label, general industry practice (and OSHA rules) dictates that ladders up to 32 feet need a 3-foot overlap, while longer ladders require 4 to 5 feet. Never separate extension ladder sections to use them as two single ladders unless they are specifically designed for that purpose.

Secure the Feet and Top
The feet must sit flat. On soft ground, use mudsills (wide boards) under the feet to prevent sinking. On slick surfaces, secure the base or have a second person hold it. Whenever feasible, tie off the top of the ladder to prevent lateral shifting. This takes two minutes and prevents the majority of sliding accidents.

Stepladders: Stability and Positioning

Stepladders feel safer because they are self-supporting, but that false sense of security leads to complacency.

The Top Cap Rule
The top cap and the step directly below it are not steps. Standing on the top cap raises the worker’s center of gravity above the ladder’s pivot point, making it highly unstable. If a worker needs to stand on the top cap to reach the work, the ladder is too short. Stop work and get a taller ladder or a lift.

Spreaders and Level Ground
The metal spreaders must be fully open and locked down before climbing. Never use a stepladder in the closed position leaning against a wall; the feet are not designed for that angle and will slip. Stepladders require four points of contact with the ground. If the floor is uneven, you cannot use bricks or boards to level a leg. You must dig out the high side or use a ladder with integrated leg levelers.

Practical Compliance: Inspections, Documentation, and Training

Once the correct equipment is selected and the setup rules are understood, the focus shifts to daily operations. This chapter focuses on the hands-on mechanics of inspecting equipment, documenting compliance, and training the crew. We will move past the theory and look at exactly what your crew needs to do at 7:00 AM before climbing.

Detailed Pre-Use Inspection Checklists

OSHA requires ladders to be inspected for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use. In practice, this means a visual check before every shift. If any of these items fail, tag the ladder “Dangerous: Do Not Use” and remove it from service immediately.

Extension Ladder Inspection Checklist

  • Side Rails: Check for cracks, dents, or bends. On fiberglass ladders, look for “blooming” (exposed fibers) or cracks at the rung connections.
  • Rungs: Ensure all rungs are tight, parallel, free of oil/grease, and not bent. Spin the rungs; if they rotate freely but shouldn’t, the connection is compromised.
  • Feet/Shoes: Verify the anti-slip pads are present, the shoe assembly pivots correctly, and the tread is not worn smooth.
  • Rope and Pulley: Check the halyard (rope) for fraying, cuts, or rot. Ensure the pulley operates smoothly without binding.
  • Rung Locks (Dogs): Ensure the locks move freely, seat fully, and engage completely over the rungs. Springs should be functional.
  • Labels: Duty rating and safety warning labels must be legible.

Stepladder Inspection Checklist

  • Spreaders: Check that spreaders are not bent, move freely, and lock firmly in the open position.
  • Steps: Inspect for cracks, loose connections to the rail, or missing traction grooves.
  • Top Cap: Ensure the plastic or metal top cap is not cracked or separated from the rails.
  • Bucket Shelf: If equipped, ensure it functions, is not bent, and is not holding weight that unbalances the ladder.
  • Feet: Check that all four rubber feet are intact and not worn down to the metal.
  • Structural Integrity: Place the ladder on level ground and wobble it. Excessive play indicates loose rivets or joints.

Documentation and Policy Templates

Documentation is your primary defense during an audit. You need a written record of your inspections and a clear policy that workers have signed.

Sample Inspection Record Fields

Your inspection log (digital or paper) needs these specific columns to be effective:

  • Date and Time: (e.g., 12/25/2025, 07:00 AM)
  • Ladder ID: (e.g., EXT-04)
  • Inspector Name: (Signature required)
  • Condition: (Pass / Fail)
  • Defects Found: (Specific description, e.g., “Cracked left rail near bottom rung”)
  • Corrective Action: (e.g., “Tagged Out of Service,” “Destroyed,” “Sent for Repair”)

Sample Company Policy Paragraph

"It is the policy of [Company Name] that all ladders must be inspected prior to each use. 
Employees are authorized to select only Type IA or IAA ladders for construction tasks. 
Household Type III ladders are prohibited. Any ladder found with structural defects, 
missing feet, or compromised locking mechanisms must be immediately removed from service 
and tagged 'Do Not Use.' Using a ladder that is too short for the task, resulting in 
standing on the top cap or top step, is strictly prohibited. Failure to report a 
damaged ladder or follow setup protocols will result in disciplinary action."

Worker Sign-Off Checklist

Create a small laminate card or app entry for workers to acknowledge daily:

  • I have visually inspected the ladder for defects.
  • I have selected the correct duty rating for my weight and tools.
  • I have set the ladder on stable, level ground (4:1 angle for extension).
  • I am wearing slip-resistant footwear.
  • I will maintain three points of contact while climbing.

Training and Competency

Training is not a one-time event. In 2025, with fall protection violations remaining the top OSHA citation, robust training programs are essential.

Competent Person Designation
OSHA defines a “competent person” as someone capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards and who has the authorization to take prompt corrective measures. This person must inspect ladders periodically. To qualify, they need advanced training on ladder manufacturing standards, defect identification, and the authority to destroy unsafe equipment.

Required Competencies
Workers must demonstrate they can:

1. Select the correct ladder for the height and weight load.

2. Set up the ladder at the correct angle.

3. Secure the ladder against displacement.

4. Climb using the three-point control method (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand).

5. Keep their belt buckle inside the side rails (no overreaching).

Refresher Training Triggers
Retraining is required when:

1. An employee is observed using a ladder unsafely.

2. An accident or near-miss occurs.

3. The type of ladder changes (e.g., switching from stepladders to extension ladders).

4. Workplace conditions change (e.g., moving from flat concrete to uneven soil).

Common Violations and Corrective Actions

We see the same issues repeatedly in construction and warehousing. Here is how to spot and fix them.

Violation Why It Happens / Why It’s Dangerous Corrective Action
Improper Angle Worker guesses the distance visually. Train the 4:1 rule. Mark the ground if the setup is repetitive. Use ladders with built-in angle indicators.
Standing on Top Cap Ladder is too short; high center of gravity. Provide taller ladders. If the ceiling is too high for a 12-foot step, switch to a scissor lift or rolling scaffold.
Carrying Items While Climbing Lack of tool belts; prevents 3 points of contact. Enforce the “Three Points of Contact” rule. Hands must be free to grip rungs. Use a rope to hoist materials.
Leaning a Stepladder Feet only grip when open; acts like a slide. Open the spreaders fully or use an extension ladder. Never lean a closed stepladder.
Using Damaged Ladders “It’s just a small crack.” Implement a strict “Tag and Destroy” policy. Cut the rails of damaged ladders immediately so they cannot be reused.

When to Escalate: Alternatives to Ladders

Ladders are for access and short-duration work. They are not work platforms. If a task requires heavy exertion, two hands for long periods, or lateral reaching, a ladder is the wrong tool.

You should escalate to a scissor lift, aerial lift, or mobile scaffold when:

  • The job takes longer than 15-20 minutes in one spot.
  • The worker needs to carry heavy parts (over 20 lbs) up the climb.
  • The work area is directly above obstacles that prevent proper ladder base placement.
  • Wind conditions make extension ladders unstable.
  • The worker must reach far outside their vertical center.

Using the right equipment not only prevents falls but also improves efficiency. A worker comfortable in a scissor lift works faster than one balancing precariously on a ladder rung. For more on the statistics driving these decisions, review Understanding Ladder Safety.

By implementing these checklists and policies this week, you move your organization from passive compliance to active risk reduction. The goal is to ensure that every worker who climbs up, climbs down safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Even with the best checklists and intentions, specific scenarios often pop up that leave safety managers scratching their heads. The regulations for ladders—spread across General Industry (1910) and Construction (1926)—can feel dense. You might know how to set up a ladder, but do you know exactly when a cage is no longer compliant or how to legally document a destroyed ladder?

Here are the answers to the most frequent compliance questions we see in the field. These aren’t just theoretical; they are the practical hurdles that usually trip up employers during an audit.

Are ladder cages still acceptable for fixed ladders, and when is fall protection required?

This is probably the single most common confusion point following the updates to the Walking-Working Surfaces rule. For decades, cages were the standard. Now, they are being phased out.

The 24-Foot Rule
Under OSHA 1910.28(b)(9), fall protection is required on fixed ladders that extend more than 24 feet above a lower level. If the ladder is shorter than 24 feet, no fall protection system or cage is explicitly required by federal OSHA, though it is often recommended for safety.

New vs. Existing Ladders
For any fixed ladder installed after November 19, 2018, cages are not considered compliant fall protection. You must install a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) or a ladder safety system (like a vertical lifeline or rigid rail). If you have a fixed ladder installed before that date, you can keep the cage until November 18, 2036. After that date, cages alone will not be accepted as fall protection. However, if you repair or replace a section of that caged ladder before 2036, you must upgrade the entire run to a ladder safety system.

Compliance Tip
Don’t wait until 2036. If you have caged ladders over 24 feet, budget for retrofitting them with vertical lifelines now. It reduces liability immediately.

Does OSHA require a written ladder safety program?

Technically, OSHA standards (like 1926.1053 or 1910.23) do not explicitly state, “The employer must maintain a written Ladder Safety Program,” in the same way they mandate a written Hazard Communication or Lockout/Tagout program. However, you cannot comply with the training and inspection requirements without documentation that essentially forms a program.

What is Required
You are required to provide training by a competent person and ensure ladders are inspected. If an inspector asks, “How do you ensure ladders are safe?” and you have no written policy, procedure, or training log, you will likely face citations under the General Duty Clause or specific training standards. OSHA Names Top 10 Workplace Safety Violations for 2025 consistently lists fall protection and training failures, proving that lack of documentation is a primary enforcement target.

Best Practice
Include a “Ladder Safety” section in your general safety manual. It should outline purchasing standards (e.g., ANSI A14 compliance), inspection intervals, and the authority of workers to remove damaged equipment from service.

How often should portable ladders be inspected?

There are two types of inspections you need to worry about: the informal daily check and the formal periodic inspection.

Pre-Use Inspection
OSHA 1910.23(b)(9) and 1926.1053(b)(15) mandate that ladders be inspected by the user before each initial use in each work shift. This does not necessarily need to be documented on paper every single morning, but the practice must be evident. If a compliance officer walks up to a worker using a ladder with a cracked rail, the “pre-use inspection” requirement is the citation they will write.

Periodic Inspection
Ladders must be inspected on a periodic basis by a competent person. The frequency depends on use. A ladder used daily on a construction site should be inspected formally (with a log) much more often than a stepladder used twice a year to change lightbulbs in an office. We recommend a monthly or quarterly documented inspection for active industrial equipment.

Can I use a ladder near energized equipment?

Yes, but the type of ladder matters critically. Metal ladders conduct electricity. Using an aluminum ladder near energized electrical equipment is a direct violation of OSHA 1926.1053(b)(12).

Selection Rule
If work is being performed near energized circuits, you must use ladders with nonconductive side rails. This almost always means fiberglass or wood. Keep in mind that a dirty or wet fiberglass ladder can still conduct electricity. It is vital to keep them clean.

Safe Distances
Even with a fiberglass ladder, you must maintain safe approach distances from overhead power lines. A common mistake is carrying an extension ladder vertically; if it tips into a line, the arc can be fatal regardless of the material. Always carry ladders parallel to the ground when moving them.

Which ladders are allowed for accessing roofs?

You can use extension ladders to access roofs, provided they are long enough and set up correctly. Stepladders should generally not be used to access roofs unless they are specifically designed for that purpose (like a hybrid ladder) and can be secured.

The 3-Foot Extension Rule
When using a portable ladder for access to an upper landing surface, the ladder side rails must extend at least 3 feet (0.9 m) above the upper landing surface to which the ladder is used to gain access. This provides a handhold for the worker transitioning on and off the ladder.

Securing the Top
The ladder must be secured at the top to a rigid support that will not deflect. If the ladder isn’t long enough to extend 3 feet, you must secure the top of the ladder and provide a grasping device, such as a grab rail, to assist in mounting and dismounting.

How do I determine ladder load capacity?

You cannot just guess. Every compliant ladder has a duty rating sticker. The load capacity includes the weight of the worker plus the weight of their clothing, protective equipment, tools, and materials they are carrying.

Compliance Check
If a worker weighs 240 lbs and is carrying a 20 lb tool belt and a 30 lb bundle of shingles, they are at 290 lbs. A Type I (250 lb) ladder is a violation. You need a Type IA or IAA. If the sticker is missing or illegible, the ladder must be removed from service until a new label is obtained from the manufacturer or the ladder is replaced.

What constitutes removal-from-service and repair procedures?

When a ladder fails an inspection, it cannot simply be put back in the truck or left in the corner. It must be immediately removed from service.

Tagging and Segregation
The ladder must be marked with a tag reading “Dangerous: Do Not Use” (or similar language). It should be physically removed from the work area. If it cannot be moved immediately, it must be blocked or locked to prevent use.

Repair vs. Replace
Repairs must restore the ladder to a condition meeting its original design criteria. In practice, structural repairs to portable ladders (like fixing a bent rail or a split rung) are rarely cost-effective or safe for a typical job site. Unless you are sending it back to the manufacturer, the safest compliance route is usually destruction and replacement. Do not attempt to duct tape cracked fiberglass or weld aluminum rails in-house.

When must you use a ladder safety system or personal fall arrest on fixed ladders?

As mentioned regarding cages, the threshold is 24 feet. But the question often arises: what kind of system is required?

System Types
A ladder safety system usually consists of a rigid rail or a flexible cable (vertical lifeline) attached to the ladder, with a shuttle (cable grab) that connects to the worker’s harness (front D-ring). This allows the worker to climb up and down without manipulating the device, but it locks immediately in a fall.

Rest Platforms
If a fixed ladder is over 24 feet, in addition to the safety system, you may need rest platforms at intervals not exceeding 150 feet. If you are still using a cage (on a pre-2018 ladder), rest platforms are required every 50 feet.

How do I document inspections and training?

Documentation is your primary defense during an audit. If it isn’t written down, it didn’t happen.

Training Records
Record the employee’s name, the date of training, the specific topic (e.g., “Extension Ladder Setup and Inspection”), and the name/signature of the trainer. Keep these records for the duration of employment plus a buffer period.

Inspection Logs
For periodic inspections, use a log that tracks the specific ladder ID (mark your ladders with unique numbers). The log should include:
1. Date of inspection.
2. Name of inspector.
3. Pass/Fail status for key components (rungs, rails, feet, labels).
4. Corrective action taken (e.g., “Removed from service,” “Cleaned grease from rungs”).

Consultation Tip
If you find that a significant percentage of your ladders are failing inspection or if you are unsure about the structural integrity of a fixed ladder attached to a building, seek a professional consultation. OSHA Ladder Fact Sheets are a good starting point, but structural engineers or safety consultants should assess complex fixed ladder installations.

Final Results and Recommendations

We have walked through the specific regulations for extension ladders, stepladders, and fixed ladders, and we addressed the most common questions that come up during safety meetings. Now, the focus shifts to execution. Knowing the rules is different from implementing them in a busy warehouse or an active construction site. With fall protection remaining the number one most cited OSHA violation in 2025, and ladder violations consistently ranking in the top three, the gap between policy and practice is where injuries happen.

You need a concrete plan to close that gap. This section consolidates the regulatory requirements into a practical workflow. It provides the tools you need to build a defensible, effective ladder safety program that protects your workers and keeps your facility compliant.

Core Obligations Recap

Before you start printing checklists, you must be clear on the non-negotiables. OSHA standards 1910.23 (General Industry) and 1926.1053 (Construction) create a framework that relies on three main pillars: condition, setup, and behavior.

Equipment Condition
Every ladder must be inspected before the first use of each shift. This is not a suggestion. If a ladder lacks a label with the weight rating, it fails inspection. If a fiberglass rail has a crack, it fails. OSHA data shows that neglected maintenance is a primary driver of citations. You cannot rely on annual inspections alone; the daily visual check by the user is your first line of defense.

Safe Setup and Access
The geometry of ladder safety is strict. Extension ladders must extend three feet above the landing surface to provide a handhold for transition. If the ladder is not secured, that transition is the most dangerous moment of the climb. For leaning ladders, the 4-to-1 ratio rule applies: for every four feet of height, the base must be one foot away from the wall. In 2025, inspectors are looking closely at setup angles and surface stability.

User Behavior and Training
Equipment rarely fails on its own; it is usually misused. The “three points of contact” rule is the most violated behavioral standard. Workers often carry tools in their hands while climbing, which breaks this rule. Training must explicitly teach workers to use tool belts or hoist lines. Furthermore, the “belt buckle rule”—keeping your center of gravity between the side rails—prevents the overreaching that causes tip-overs.

Managing Fixed Ladder Risks

Fixed ladders represent a different category of risk because they are permanent structures. The regulatory landscape here has shifted significantly over the last decade.

The Shift from Cages to Systems
If you have fixed ladders over 24 feet tall, you likely know that cages are being phased out. While existing cages are technically “grandfathered” until 2036, relying on them is a liability. Cages do not prevent falls; they only limit the distance a worker falls, often causing injury during the descent.

Immediate Actions for Fixed Ladders
For any new fixed ladder installed today, a personal fall arrest system or a ladder safety system is mandatory if the climb exceeds 24 feet. If you modify or repair an existing caged ladder, you must upgrade it to include a safety system. Do not wait for the 2036 deadline. Retrofitting with a cable or rail system now reduces your exposure to liability and drastically improves worker safety. Ensure that the grab bars extend 42 inches above the access level and that swing gates are installed to protect the opening.

Prioritized Action Plan

You cannot fix everything overnight. You need a triage approach to bring your facility into compliance efficiently. Follow this five-step sequence to organize your efforts.

  1. Inventory and Risk Rank
    Locate every ladder in your possession. This includes the stepladders in the maintenance closet and the fixed ladders on the roof. Create a master log that lists the ID number, type, height, material, and duty rating for each. Assign a risk level to each asset based on its condition and frequency of use. If you find a ladder that is unmarked or damaged, tag it “Dangerous: Do Not Use” immediately and remove it from the floor.
  2. Issue Updated Checklists
    Generic checklists often get “pencil-whipped”—filled out without looking. Customize your inspection forms to match your specific equipment. If you use mostly fiberglass extension ladders, your checklist should specifically ask about rail blooming (fiber exposure) and footpad spikes. Distribute these to supervisors and require signed copies to be turned in weekly.
  3. Train Users and Supervisors
    Schedule a stand-down meeting. Training must be understandable to the worker. If you have non-English speakers, the training must be in a language they understand. Focus on the practicals: how to set the angle, how to tie off, and how to inspect feet. Document this training with sign-in sheets that include the date and the specific topics covered.
  4. Schedule Repairs and Replacements
    Review your inventory log. Ladders that failed inspection must be destroyed or repaired by a competent professional. Do not attempt makeshift repairs with duct tape or wire. If a ladder is obsolete or lacks the proper duty rating for the job (e.g., a Type III household ladder on a construction site), replace it with a Type IA or IAA industrial grade ladder.
  5. Document and Audit
    Create a central folder (digital or physical) for your ladder program. This should contain your written policy, training records, inventory logs, and inspection sheets. Schedule a quarterly internal audit where you walk the floor to verify that workers are actually following the training.

Implementation Templates

To help you start immediately, here are three templates you can adapt for your organization.

1. Portable Ladder Inspection Checklist

Use this template for daily or pre-shift inspections.

LADDER INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Date: _______________  Inspector: ___________________
Ladder ID: __________  Type: (Step / Extension)

PASS / FAIL CRITERIA (Check if Acceptable)

[ ] LABELS: Duty rating and safety warnings are legible.
[ ] RAILS: No cracks, dents, bends, or fiberglass blooming.
[ ] RUNGS/STEPS: Tight, not bent, free of oil/grease/mud.
[ ] FEET/SHOES: Pads are present, anti-slip tread is intact.
[ ] SPREADERS (Stepladders): Lock fully open, not bent.
[ ] LOCKS (Extension): Pawls seat properly on rungs.
[ ] ROPE/PULLEY: Rope not frayed, pulley operates smoothly.
[ ] GENERAL: No loose bolts, rivets, or structural defects.

ACTION TAKEN:
[ ] Safe for Use
[ ] Tagged for Repair
[ ] Destroy and Discard

Signature: _________________________________

2. One-Page Ladder Safety Policy

This serves as a handout for new hires or a posting for the safety board.

COMPANY LADDER SAFETY POLICY

1. SELECTION: Use the right ladder for the job. 
   - Fiberglass ladders must be used for electrical work.
   - Weight rating must cover the worker plus tools.

2. INSPECTION: Inspect your ladder before every shift.
   - If it is damaged, tag it "DO NOT USE" and report it.
   - Never use a ladder with missing feet or broken rungs.

3. SETUP:
   - Place on stable, level ground.
   - Extension ladders: Set at a 4:1 angle. Secure the top.
   - Stepladders: Fully open spreaders and lock them.
   - Never place a ladder in front of a door unless blocked.

4. CLIMBING:
   - Maintain 3 points of contact (two hands/one foot or two feet/one hand).
   - Keep your belt buckle between the side rails.
   - Do not carry tools in hand; use a belt or hoist.
   - Never stand on the top cap or the top step of a stepladder.

Failure to follow these rules will result in disciplinary action.

3. Trainer’s Lesson Plan Outline

Use this to structure a 15-minute toolbox talk.

TOOLBOX TALK: LADDER SAFETY BASICS
Duration: 15 Minutes

OBJECTIVE: 
Workers will demonstrate proper inspection and setup of an extension ladder.

KEY POINTS (5 Mins):
- Discuss recent site incidents or near misses.
- Review the 4:1 rule (demonstrate by counting rungs).
- Explain the 3-foot extension rule for roof access.

DEMONSTRATION (5 Mins):
- Show a damaged ladder (prop) and ask workers to find the defect.
- Demonstrate proper body positioning (belt buckle rule).
- Show how to secure the ladder at the top and bottom.

PRACTICE (5 Mins):
- Have two volunteers set up a ladder correctly.
- Have a volunteer demonstrate 3 points of contact climbing.

CLOSING:
- Remind crew: "If it doesn't look right, don't climb it."
- Sign attendance sheet.

Compliance and Professional Support

The templates and steps above provide a solid foundation, but safety is dynamic. You must stay current with the official regulations. Always verify your procedures against the actual text of OSHA Ladder Fact Sheets and the relevant CFR standards. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A14 series also provides consensus standards for ladder design and use that often go deeper than OSHA’s minimums.

If your facility has complex access needs, such as multiple roof levels, old fixed ladders, or unique chemical hazards, internal audits might not be enough. If you identify high-risk exposures—like corroded fixed ladders exceeding 24 feet or frequent work near energized lines—consider scheduling a professional site audit. A third-party safety consultant can offer an objective analysis of your fall protection plan and recommend engineered solutions that remove the risk entirely, such as installing stairs or walkways instead of ladders.

Taking action today prevents the accidents that statistics predict for tomorrow. Start with your inventory, train your people, and keep your documentation rigorous. Compliance is not just about avoiding fines; it is about ensuring every worker climbs down safely at the end of the day.

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