The document discusses safety precautions for using ladders and statistics about ladder-related injuries. It notes that over 300 deaths annually are due to ladder injuries in the US. It recommends choosing the right type of ladder based on its duty rating and intended use. It provides tips for safe ladder setup such as securing it at top and bottom, positioning it at least a quarter of its length from the wall at a 75 degree angle, and staying at least 10 feet from power lines. Additional safety tips include wearing slip-resistant shoes, not standing on the top two rungs, and only using ladders suited for the job.

1. Safety Precautions In
Using a Ladder

5. Sadly, the number of
ladder accident or
ladder related injuries
showed some
surprising statistics in
United States.

6. •81% of Fall Injuries Treated in Emergency Rooms
Involve Ladders
•Over 300 Deaths (one per day!) in the U.S. annually
are Due to Ladder Injuries
•Over 164,000 Ladder Related Emergency Room
Visits Annually
•Over 700,000 Reported Ladder Injuries Annually
•Ladder accidents are the Leading Cause of Deaths on
Construction Sites
•43% of Fatal Falls (in this Decade) Involve a Ladder

7. To avoid these sort of
ladder accidents or
ladder related injuries,
here are some ladder
safety precautions:

8. Choose the Right Type of
Ladder

9. Ladder Type Duty Rating Description
Type 1AA Ladder 375 lbs. Extra-heavy industrial ladder
Type 1A Ladder 300 lbs. Heavy-duty industrial
ladder
Type 1 Ladder 250 lbs. Heavy-duty industrial
ladder
Type 2 Ladder 225 lbs. Medium-duty commercial ladder
Type 3 Ladder 200 lbs. Light duty household ladder
 Choosing the right type of ladder will
depend on the intended use.
 Here are some general ladder type and
descriptions

10. Height of a ladder, weight of the
person (climber) and the weight of the
things you will be carrying will matter
the most. Because specific ladder can
only carry specific weights, if the
climber and equipment exceeds the
maximum weight capacity a ladder
could break causing serious injury.

11. Aluminum ladder should never
be used around electrical
equipment or for repairs or
maintenance. Aluminum is a
conductor of electricity. Always
use a fiberglass ladder around
electrical equipment of any
type.

12. How to Avoid Ladder
Accidents

13.  Before using a ladder, make it a habit to
assess and inspect the ladder for
defects like missing screws, loose
components, breaks, cracks, or any
damaged parts.
 When the ladder is set-up for use, it
must be placed on firm level ground and
without any type of slippery condition
present at either the base or top support

14.  Never set up a traditional extension
ladder too close to the wall or too far
from the wall. For a standard
extension ladder, position it at least
one-quarter of the ladder’s length
away from the wall. Check the
ladder’s angle. It should be about 75
degrees angle with the ladder rails
leaning against a wall for support.
The top of the ladder should extend
at least three feet above the top of
the top support surface, and be
secured at the top and bottom. If the
ladder is not properly positioned or
secured it could tip or slide causing

15.  Always be at least ten feet away from any
electrical lines.
 Safe Set-Up for standard Extension Ladders
 *Note LockNClimb Specialty Ladder Systems
have a patented support system, so they don’t
need to lean on or touch sensitive equipment
or surfaces for safety.

16. More Safety Tips

17.  Never stand on the top, or second-to-
the-top rung (or step).
 If you feel tired or dizzy, or are prone to
losing your balance, stay off the ladder.
 In climbing a ladder, always keep your
body near the middle of the rungs or
steps and always face the ladder.

18.  Never use ladders in high winds or storms.
 Always wear clean slip-resistant
shoes. Shoes with leather soles are not
appropriate for ladder use since they are
not considered sufficiently slip resistant.
 The ladder you select must be the right
size for the job. The Duty Rating of the
ladder must be greater than the total
weight of the climber, tools, supplies and

19.  The length of the ladder must be sufficient
so that the climber does not have to stand
on the top, or second-to-the top, rung or
step.
 Never have more than one person at a
time on a ladder, unless the ladder is
specifically designed for more than one
climber.
 Ladders must not be placed in front of

20.  Always Read the safety information labels
on the ladder. The on-product safety
information is specific to the particular type
of ladder on which it appears. The climber
is not considered qualified or adequately
trained to use the ladder until familiar with
this information.
 Use only a proven OSHA and ANSI
standard and a ladder safety products or
tools.

21. And . . . always remember, when
using a ladder: An ounce of
prevention is worth a pound of
cure.
Benjamin Franklin
Okay, okay, he probably wasn’t
referring to using a ladder, but
you get the point, we hope!