Ladder Safety Part 2, How to Choose, Inspect and Use a Ladder the Right Way

If you read Part 1, you already know why ladder injuries happen so often and why people underestimate the risk. This post is the practical side. Here you’ll find the basics a lot of workers never get taught, including ladder types, inspection steps, safe setup and when a ladder is the wrong tool altogether.

These steps are simple, but they prevent most ladder-related injuries.

Choosing the Right Ladder Matters More Than People Think

A lot of ladder accidents start with the wrong ladder being used for the job. It might be too short, too light for the load or not designed for the task. People often grab whatever ladder is closest instead of the one that’s actually safe.

Here’s how to choose properly.

Common Ladder Types

Step ladders
Good for indoor tasks and short work. Self-supporting, but often misused by leaning them against surfaces or by people using the top cap as a step.

Extension ladders
The go-to for height. They require the right angle, stable ground and proper securing at the top.

Platform ladders
A safer choice when someone needs to stand and work for a longer period. Provides a stable surface and reduces fatigue.

Multi-position ladders
Popular because they adapt to many tasks. They can function as step ladders, extension ladders or scaffolding depending on the model.

Ladder Duty Ratings (Most Workers Don’t Know These)

Every ladder has a duty rating. If the rating is too low for the user plus tools plus materials, the ladder can fail.

Duty ratings:
• Type III: 200 lb light duty
• Type II: 225 lb medium duty
• Type I: 250 lb heavy duty
• Type IA: 300 lb industrial duty
• Type IAA: 375 lb extra heavy duty

If the total load exceeds the rating, the ladder is unsafe even before someone climbs it.

How to Choose the Right Ladder for the Job

Ask these questions every time:

• What height is actually required?
• Is the ground level?
• Are there electrical hazards?
• Will the worker be reaching or twisting?
• How long will they be up there?
• What is the total load?
• Is a ladder even the right tool?

If any of these raise concerns, stop and rethink the equipment.

Sometimes the Right Answer Isn’t a Ladder

A ladder might feel convenient, but if the task needs two hands, heavy tools or long reach, use alternate equipment, like:

• Podium ladders
• Baker scaffolds or rolling scaffolds
• Mechanical lifts
• Cabinet jacks (great for installers who can’t maintain 3-point contact)
• A helper assist

These reduce risk significantly compared to climbing with limited stability.

How to Inspect a Ladder: A Simple Step-by-Step

Most ladder failures come from damage people didn’t bother checking. Inspections take less than 30 seconds.

Check:
• Side rails for cracks, bends or warping
• Rungs for looseness, dents or twists
• Feet for worn or missing rubber
• Spreaders for full function
• Locks for proper engagement
• Rope and pulley system on extension ladders
• Labels for visibility and instructions

If anything looks questionable, remove the ladder from service immediately.

Safe Ladder Setup and Use

Choosing the right ladder is half the battle. Setting it up properly is the other half.

Setup Basics

• Use level, stable ground
• Never prop or stack ladders
• For extension ladders, use the 4:1 angle (for every 4 feet of height, the base is 1 foot out)
• Secure the top when possible
• Keep the ladder fully open and locked if it’s a step ladder

During Use

• Maintain three-point contact
• Keep your belt buckle between the rails
• Don’t overreach
• Don’t carry tools in your hands while climbing
• Don’t stand on the top step or top cap

When Three-Point Contact Isn’t Realistic

Some tasks simply make proper ladder use impossible. Cabinet installers, carpenters, electricians and other trades often need both hands for the actual task.

That doesn’t mean you ignore safety. It means you use a different tool.

Better options for two-handed work:
• Small rolling scaffold
• Podium ladder
• Baker scaffold
• Cabinet jack
• Helper support

These drastically reduce the chance of a fall.

Common Ladder Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

These account for most workplace ladder injuries:

• Reaching too far
• Climbing with tools
• Using a ladder that is too short
• Using a ladder with visible damage
• Setting up on uneven surfaces
• Standing on the top step
• Using the wrong duty rating
• “It’ll only take a second” thinking

Every one of these can be prevented with simple training and consistent expectations.

Ladder Safety Checklist (Printable Version Coming Soon)

Here’s a quick summary you can turn into a poster or training tool:

Ladder Selection

[ ] Proper type
[ ] Proper height
[ ] Correct duty rating
[ ] No electrical hazards

Inspection

[ ] Rails
[ ] Rungs
[ ] Feet
[ ] Spreaders / locks
[ ] Labels
[ ] Rope system (extension)

Setup

[ ] Level ground
[ ] Proper angle
[ ] Secured when possible

Use

[ ] Three-point contact
[ ] No overreaching
[ ] Tools carried safely
[ ] Proper footwear

Call to Action

If your team uses ladders daily and you want a proper ladder safe work procedure or a review of your overall safety program, I offer a free, no-pressure assessment. You can request it through my contact page on the GreenSpine Safety Solutions website.

Related Reading:
• Part 1: The Hidden Risk of Ladders and Why So Many People Get Hurt