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🪜 Ladder Safety Fundamentals

OSHA Compliant Safety Meeting | ~10 minutes

Ladder safety essentials
Setup
4-to-1 Rule
For every 4 feet of height, move the base 1 foot away from the wall. This ensures the correct 75-degree angle for stability.
Climbing
3-Point Contact
Always maintain three points of contact — two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand. Never carry tools while climbing.
Every time
Inspect Before Use
Check for bent rails, broken rungs, cracked feet, and missing hardware. Never use a damaged ladder — tag it out immediately.

Why This Matters​

Falls from ladders cause approximately 20,000 injuries and 300 deaths per year in the workplace.

Key Points​

  • Always inspect ladders before each use
  • Follow the 4-to-1 rule for extension ladders
  • Maintain three points of contact at all times
  • Never stand on the top two rungs

The 4-to-1 Rule​

For every 4 feet of ladder height, the base should be 1 foot away from the wall.

Discussion Questions​

  • Has anyone had a close call on a ladder?
  • Where are our ladders stored?
  • What tasks on this project require ladder work?

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