Easily create and store your written safety plans using pre-written templates for ladder safety and fall protection.
Ladder Safety
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Ladders are wonderful tools to help workers reach heights. But, because they seem easy to use, workers and employers often take ladders for granted, and each year workers are seriously injured because of falls from ladders.
OSHA requires that when ascending or descending a ladder, employees must maintain three points of contact at all times by:
- Facing the ladder,
- Using at least one hand to firmly grasp the ladder, and
- Not carrying any object or load that could cause them to lose balance and fall.
Employers are required to ensure that every employee follows these climbing techniques through training.
Whether you’re looking to train employees on proper ladder climbing techniques or ensure your ladders meet OSHA specifications, the J. J. Keller® SAFETY MANAGEMENT SUITE delivers the resources needed to help keep employees safe and your operation free from violations.
Streamline How You Manage Ladder Safety in the Workplace
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Facilitate Ladder Safety Training
GET FREE SAFETY TRAINING >>Access classroom video or PowerPoint® training as well as self-paced online training programs regarding ladder safety/fall protection for both general industry and construction.
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Conduct Safety Audits
GET FREE CHECKLISTS >>Get access to both daily and annual inspection checklists for portable or fixed ladders and other walking working surfaces.
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Track Ladder Incidents
GET FREE TRACKING TOOL >>Effectively track, analyze, and document incidents involving ladders to help you respond promptly and take corrective actions. By keeping detailed records, you can spot trends, improve safety protocols, protect your workers, and ensure OSHA compliance.
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Ask Compliance Questions to Industry Experts
ASK A QUESTION >>Get direct access to our trusted team of in-house experts — acknowledged leaders in the safety, regulatory and compliance fields with over 500 years of combined experience — who are standing by to help answer your toughest compliance questions.
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Review Regulatory Information
SEARCH REGULATIONS >>Get the regulatory info you need regarding ladder safety with J. J. Keller ezExplanations™ summaries of key topics, federal and state regulations & laws, rulemaking documents, court case rulings, and government guidance documents - all in one easy to find location.
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LADDER SAFETY FAQs
Fall protection is not required when using portable ladders, but it may be required for fixed ladders depending on their height and configuration. OSHA distinguishes between ladder types and sets different requirements based on how they are used.
Key requirements include:
- Portable ladders: Fall protection is not required under 29 CFR 1910.28
- Fixed ladders over 24 feet: Must have a fall protection system or ladder safety system
- Fixed ladders under 24 feet: Do not require fall protection
Additional considerations:
- Some older fixed ladders have cages or wells from previous requirements (over 20 feet), which may serve as protection until upgraded
- If the upper entry point of a fixed ladder is 4 feet or more above a lower level, a self-closing gate or offset is required
- Any unprotected edge, including ladder entry points, must have a guardrail or other fall protection
These requirements ensure safe access and reduce fall risks when using ladders in different workplace conditions.
Yes, employees can carry items while climbing a ladder as long as doing so does not interfere with their ability to maintain full control. They must be able to safely climb and descend without losing stability or grip.
According to an OSHA Letter of Interpretation (April 1992):
- Carrying items is allowed
- Items must not impair balance, grip, or safe movement on the ladder
Employees must always maintain proper control to reduce the risk of falls or accidents while using ladders.
No, OSHA does not require employers to document ladder inspections, even though ladders must be inspected before first use on each shift. Employers cannot be cited for not having written inspection records.
However:
- OSHA does require inspections before each shift
- Employers may choose to use checklists or keep records as a best practice
- Some employers require documentation similar to pre-use forklift inspections
Even without a documentation requirement, OSHA may:
- Ask employees what they check during inspections
- Ask them to demonstrate the inspection process
If employees cannot identify defects or explain what to look for, a citation may be issued. Under 29 CFR 1910.30, employers must train employees on the proper care, inspection, storage, and use of ladders.
