Mar 7, 2025
Everything You Need to Know About Ladder Safety
Whether you’re a home improvement professional or a DIY novice, you should be well-versed in ladder safety.
Here are the do’s and don’ts of using a ladder that will help you make the most of your home remodeling project and keep you safe.
DO: Choose the right type of ladder
Since there are several types of ladders, it’s important to know which kind you need for the job at hand. Having the wrong type of ladder could cause instability, creating an unsafe situation.
Step ladders and extension ladders are the most common, but telescoping, folding, multipurpose, platform, straight, and trestle are also options. Professionals at your local hardware or construction big box store can help you select the right ladder for your project.
DON’T: Damage or scratch surfaces
Whether you’re propping the ladder up against an interior wall or your home’s exterior, you risk leaving damaging marks and scratches against your wall or scraping your siding. A simple way to prevent this is to wrap a rag or cloth around the top of your ladder’s edges before you position it.
Better yet, you can use ladder boots, which are plastic, foam, or rubber cushions that slide onto the edges of your ladder, protecting the home underneath.
DO: Ensure stability
For increased stability, use a standoff, which is a brace or stabilizer for your ladder. Standoffs also add a protective layer between your ladder and your siding or wall to prevent unwanted marks.
Here are some additional tips to ensure you have a stable ladder setup:
- Ensure the rungs are clean, not slick.
- Place the ladder on a stable, non-slippery surface.
- When in the final position, ensure that the ladder is locked.
- Follow OSHA’s 4-to-1 rule by placing the base of the ladder one foot from the wall for every four feet the ladder extends.
DON’T: Compromise your grip
Avoid overloading your hands or carrying heavy items while climbing. If you need to move materials, use a ladder hoist. Ladder hoists safely transport materials such as shingles and plywood to the roof.
DO: Maintain three points of contact
Keep both feet and one hand, or both hands and one foot, in contact with the ladder at all times. The more points of connection, the less risk of a fall.
DON’T: Move or overreach while on a ladder
If there is a need to change the ladder’s location, first descend and then reposition. Moving the ladder when a person is climbing it or overreaching to access farther areas can cause tipping or falling.
DO: Carry supplies in a toolbelt
Toolbelts aren’t just accessories; they’re safety necessities. To keep your hands free and maintain three-point contact, keep all your need-to-reach tools in a toolbelt. Bear in mind the weight of your belt and equipment when considering the ladder’s load rating. Observe duty ratings that are posted on the ladder, which include weight limitations for each type of ladder.
One moment of carelessness could result in serious injury. When in doubt, hire a professional for ladder-related tasks.
