TXWCC Ladder Safety

Safety tips handout on ladder inspection and proper use.

Do you know there’s a killer on the job that you probably meet face-to-face every day? A common, ordinary ladder can be a killer. Ladders are involved in many accidents, some of which are fatal. Your life literally can depend on knowing how to inspect, use, and care for this tool.

Inspecting ladders

Before using any ladder, inspect it. Look for the following faults:

1. loose or missing rungs, cleats, or bracing;
2. loose nails, bolts, or screws;
3. cracked, broken, split, dented, or badly worn rungs, cleats, or side rails;
4. wood splinters;
5. corrosion of metal ladders or…