Once a ladder is selected, inspected and set up correctly, safe climbing and positioning finish the job. Slips often occur when people overreach, twist awkwardly, or stand too high. In this post, we explain best practices to avoid these pitfalls.
Three Points of Contact Rule
Keep:
- Two hands and one foot or Two feet and one hand in contact with the ladder at all times
Never carry tools in both hands — use belts or tool holders.
Maintain a Safe Centre of Gravity
Always face the ladder when climbing. Your hips should stay between the rails — not off to one side.
Avoid Over-reaching
If the task is out of comfortable reach:
- Climb Down
- Re-position the ladder
Overreaching increases torque and destabilises the ladder.
Keep Feet Secure
On stepladders:
- Don’t stand above the third rung from the top
- Keep feet level and secure
Environmental Awareness
Be mindful of:
- Wind
- Surface contaminants (mud, water, oil)
- Distractions around you
These conditions can affect grip and balance.
Improve Ladder Awareness
Good habits matter. Join our free Ladder Safety Month workshops to see safe climbing and positioning demonstrated with practical examples.
