7 Ladder Safety Rules That Are Too Often Ignored

Many of these incidents are completely preventable, stemming from overlooked safety practices and a false sense of confidence when working at heights.

In this article, we break down the most commonly ignored ladder safety rules and how incorporating them into daily routines can drastically reduce the risk of injury or death.

1. Always Inspect Before Use

Workers often skip the pre-use inspection because the ladder “looked fine yesterday.” But cracks, missing rungs, or weakened joints can develop quickly—especially in aluminum or fiberglass ladders exposed to weather or heavy use.

Make it a habit to inspect every ladder before each use for defects, cleanliness, and stability.

Internal link: Read our Complete Equipment Inspection Checklist

2. Use the Right Ladder for the Job

Using a step ladder when an extension ladder is needed—or a ladder too short for the task—can lead to dangerous overreaching. Different tasks demand different ladders:

Step ladders for indoor work
Extension ladders for access at height
Platform ladders for frequent standing

Each ladder is rated for specific loads and environments, so be sure it matches the task.

External DoFollow link: Ladder Safety QuickCard by OSHA

3. Maintain Three Points of Contact

This rule is ignored far too often, especially by experienced workers. The three points of contact—two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot—ensure maximum balance and stability.

Avoid carrying tools in your hands while climbing; use a tool belt or pulley system instead.

4. Never Set Up on Unstable Surfaces

Gravel, uneven grass, loose flooring—setting up a ladder on anything but a flat, stable surface invites disaster. Many workers will “just make it work,” placing boards or bricks under one side to balance the ladder.

Instead, use ladder levelers or reposition the ladder on a stable, even surface. The ground should be dry and slip-resistant.

5. Don’t Stand on the Top Rungs

Standing on the top two rungs of a ladder is a shortcut that greatly increases the chance of a fall. These rungs are not designed for support and usually lack proper handholds. Manufacturers often label them with “Not a Step” warnings—but many ignore them.

If you can’t reach your work area safely, use a taller ladder or alternative access method such as a scaffold or lift.

6. Secure the Ladder Properly

Leaning ladders should be secured at the top and bottom to prevent slipping, especially in outdoor or high-traffic areas. Use ladder stabilizers, tie-offs, or have a co-worker hold it steady.

The base should also be set 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet of height (the 4:1 rule). Failing to follow this angle guideline can lead to the ladder tipping backward or sliding outward.

7. Be Mindful of Your Environment

Power lines, doorways, overhead hazards—many workers get tunnel vision when climbing and forget to assess what’s around them. Always scan the area for electrical lines or potential obstructions before setting up a ladder.

If working near doorways, place warning signs or lock the door to prevent someone from accidentally knocking the ladder.

Internal link: See Working at Heights Best Practices

🔧 Building Safer Ladder Habits Every Day

Ignoring these 7 ladder safety rules may seem harmless in the moment, but the consequences can be devastating. From broken bones to permanent disabilities—or worse—the risks are real.

Reinforce these habits through regular toolbox talks, visual reminders at the worksite, and a zero-tolerance policy for unsafe ladder use. Supervisors should lead by example and perform random safety audits to ensure compliance.

🪜 Ladder Safety Rules & Prevention Tips

Ladder Safety Rule	Why It Matters	Safe Practice
Inspect Before Use	Detects cracks, wear, or instability	Check for damage, cleanliness, and label integrity before each use
Use the Right Ladder	Prevents falls caused by improper ladder selection	Match ladder type, height, and duty rating to the task
Maintain Three Points of Contact	Enhances balance and control while climbing	Keep two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand in contact at all times
Avoid Unstable Surfaces	Prevents tipping or slipping during use	Set ladder on dry, flat, and level surfaces or use ladder levelers
Don’t Stand on Top Rungs	Avoids overreaching and loss of balance	Stay off the top two rungs unless designed as standing platforms
Secure the Ladder	Prevents shifting or collapse while climbing	Use tie-offs, stabilizers, or have a spotter hold the ladder
Be Aware of Your Surroundings	Avoids contact with power lines or moving equipment	Scan overhead and around, secure doors or place warning signs nearby

7 Ladder Safety Rules That Are Too Often Ignored