Working Safely With Ladders

1. Work Safely
Safety Training
Tips for Working with
your Ladder

2. Agenda
4 Steps to Ladder Safety

3. 4 Steps to Ladder Safety
Deciding when to use a ladder
Inspecting your ladder
Setting up your ladder
Climbing your ladder

4. 4 Steps to Ladder Safety
Deciding when to use a ladder

Use a ladder when you cannot safely reach an
object or product in an overhead location.

Whenever possible, try to:

Arrange heavier items on lower shelves and
lighter weight items on upper shelves.

Organize more popular products on lower
shelves for quicker accessibility.

Store slower moving items on higher levels
where a ladder would be required.

Organize your storage room to limit and reduce
ladder use.

5. 4 Steps to Ladder Safety
Inspecting your ladder

Select the right size ladder for the job.

Ensure your ladder is appropriate for the job and
will support you and your load.

Before use, check the condition of your ladder.
Do not use a ladder with loose, broken or missing
rungs, screws or bolts. If your ladder is unsafe,
report it to your manager.

Make sure the feet are clean, rest securely on the
ground and resist slipping.

Store your ladder safely. Tie the ladder off to
avoid tipping. Don’t use your ladder for other
than its intended purpose.

6. 4 Steps to Ladder Safety
Setting up your ladder

When carrying a ladder, hold it near the center
and keep it close to your body, or use two people
to move the ladder, one person at each end.

Rest the base of the ladder on a dry, solid, even
surface free of debris.

If possible, have someone hold the ladder to
provide added security.

Secure your surroundings if your ladder is set up
near a doorway or high traffic area. Use a
barricade or warning signs.

Always place the ladder at right angles to the
work.

7. 4 Steps to Ladder Safety
Climbing your ladder

Use proper (low heeled) shoes
with clean, non-slip soles on the
ladder. Never climb a ladder with
high-heeled shoes.

Always face the ladder when
going up or down. Keep your
body centered between the sides
of the ladder.

Make sure only one person at a
time is on the ladder.

8. 4 Steps to Ladder Safety
Climbing your ladder

Use the 3-point contact method.
Ensure that both feet and one hand
(or two hands and one foot) are in
contact with the ladder at all times.

Always face the ladder when going
up or down. Keep your body
centered between the sides of the
ladder.

If you cannot safely reach or carry
a product on a ladder call for help.

9. 4 Steps to Ladder Safety
Climbing your ladder

Ensure the top rung of the ladder is
between your waist and head (i.e.,
your thighs are resting against the
ladder).

Never climb on the last few rungs of
a ladder.

Position the ladder within arm’s
reach of the product you are
seeking. Move the ladder if
necessary. Never over-reach.

When reaching for an item, ensure
you reach directly in front of you,
not to the sides.

10. 4 Steps to Ladder Safety
Climbing your ladder

Don’t use a ladder in a
horizontal position as a scaffold,
plank or runway.

Never leave a ladder set up and
unattended. Always put your
ladder away when your job is
completed.

Never use a step ladder as a
straight ladder by leaning it
against a wall.

Do not “walk” or “shift” the
ladder while on it.

11. 4 Steps to Ladder Safety
Did you know….

Since 1995, the Quebec CSST has recorded 18
fatal accidents due to falls from ladders.

12. 4 Steps to Ladder Safety
Final thoughts

Never take a shortcut in ladder safety: After a
fall, it’s a long road back to recovery!

Falls are no laughing matter. As the old joke goes,
the worst part of a fall is the sudden stop at the
bottom! Be careful!

13. Employees do the darndest
things
Aren’t you glad you
work in Tourism and
not Construction!

14. Questions?