Ladder Safety Training: How to Use a Ladder Safely at Work

A ladder looks simple, so many people never think twice before they climb one. But a fall from even a few rungs can cause a serious injury. Falls from ladders are a common cause of workplace injuries in Canada.

Ladder safety training gives you a clear routine to follow every time: pick the right ladder for the job, check it before you use it, set it up on firm ground at the right angle, and climb and work without losing your balance. It also covers what to do if someone falls, and who is responsible for what on the job.

The training applies to portable ladders: stepladders, extension ladders, platform ladders and similar ladders you carry from place to place. In Canada, portable ladders are built and rated under CSA Z11, the national standard for portable ladders. Each province also has its own occupational health and safety (OHS) rules for ladder use at work.

Most ladder falls come down to three causes. Training targets each one.

Notice that none of these is bad luck. Each one is a choice made before or during the climb. That is why a short pre-use routine prevents so many injuries.

Check the ladder before every use. Look for:

• Cracked, bent or missing rungs, steps or rails
• Loose bolts, rivets or hinges, and spreaders that do not lock
• Worn or missing feet
• Oil, grease, mud or paint on the rungs
• A missing or unreadable label (you need it to know the duty rating)

If you find a problem, do not use the ladder. Tag it “Do not use” and remove it from service so nobody else picks it up.

Then set it up the right way:

• Place the feet on firm, level ground. Do not stand a ladder on boxes, pallets or other unstable objects.
• For an extension ladder, use the 4-to-1 rule: for every 4 units of height to the top support, move the base out 1 unit.
• If you are stepping off onto a roof or platform, the ladder should extend about 1 metre (3 feet) above the landing.
• Tie off or secure the top, and secure the base or have someone hold it when needed.
• Open a stepladder fully and lock the spreaders. Never lean a folded stepladder against a wall.
• Keep the area around the base clear, and block or guard doorways and traffic paths.
• Look up before you set up. Stay well clear of overhead power lines. The safe distance depends on the voltage and your province’s rules.

The right ladder depends on the task, the height and the load.

• Stepladders stand on their own and suit short tasks on level floors.
• Extension ladders lean against a support and are used to reach higher areas or to get onto a roof or platform.
• Platform ladders give you a larger standing area with a guardrail, which helps for longer tasks.

Every portable ladder has a duty rating (also called a grade) on its label. It shows the maximum load the ladder is built for. That load includes you, your clothing and PPE, and every tool and material you bring up. Check the label and pick a ladder rated for the full load.

Material matters too. Aluminium ladders conduct electricity, so use a non-conductive ladder, such as fibreglass, for electrical work or anywhere near energized equipment. And choose a ladder long enough for the job, so you are never tempted to stand on the top steps or overreach.

Once the ladder is set up, the way you climb and work keeps you on it.

• Keep three points of contact: two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, on the ladder at all times.
• Face the ladder when you climb up or down.
• Keep your body centred between the side rails. If you have to lean out to reach, climb down and move the ladder.
• Do not stand on the top cap or top step of a stepladder, or on the top rungs of an extension ladder.
• Wear footwear with a clean, slip-resistant sole.
• Only one person on the ladder at a time, unless it is designed for more.
• Do not use a ladder in strong wind or when you feel tired or dizzy.

Never carry tools or materials in your hands while you climb. Use a tool belt or pouch, or raise and lower items with a hand line or a hoist once you are in position. This keeps your hands free for three points of contact.

Anyone who uses a portable ladder at work can benefit from ladder safety training. That includes many jobs in:

Under provincial OHS regulations, employers must make sure workers are trained to do their work safely, and supervisors must make sure safe practices are followed. Workers must follow the training, use equipment properly, and report hazards such as a damaged ladder.

Employers and supervisors also use an online course to train new hires and to keep a record of who has been trained. Training is more than a certificate, though. Your employer should also show you the ladders, rules and site conditions at your own workplace.

The Gama online course covers eight modules: an introduction to ladder safety, types of ladders and their uses, inspection and maintenance, correct placement and positioning, safe climbing and working techniques, using tools and materials safely, emergency procedures and first aid, and employee and supervisor responsibilities.

There is no single national expiry date for ladder safety training. How often you need a refresher depends on your province and your employer. Many employers ask for a refresher every 1 to 3 years.

You should also get retrained when you start using a new type of ladder, when your work changes, or when a supervisor sees unsafe habits. A short refresher is quick to do online and keeps your certificate current for job applications.

1. Enrol in the online Ladder Safety course and start right away on your phone, tablet or computer.
2. Learn at your own pace. The course takes about 1.5 hours, and your progress saves automatically.
3. Pass the final exam with 80% or better. Retakes are unlimited and free.
4. Download your certificate right away. A physical wallet card is mailed to you free.

The course is available in English, French, Spanish, Punjabi, Hindi, Mandarin and more, and it is recognized by employers across Canada. Training a team? Volume pricing starts at 2 seats, with an admin dashboard to track progress. Questions? Call 1-866-661-9803 or email info@gamasafety.ca.