Ladder related falls account for almost a quarter of all fall fatalities in construction.1 Because ladders contribute so heavily to serious injuries, they must be treated with the same level of attention and care as any other high-risk equipment. One effective way to help prevent these incidents is through consistent ladder inspection and proper maintenance to help ensure every worker climbs on safe, reliable equipment.
Ladder Inspection
Ladders must be inspected before each use, and they must also be inspected by a competent person on a regular basis and after any incident that could affect their integrity. When inspecting a ladder, check for the following:
Labels & Specifications
- Manufacturer labels, weight ratings, and safety instructions intact and legible.
Structural Integrity
- No dents, bends, cracks, splits, splinters, or other visible damage to side rails or rungs.
- Rungs securely attached with no deformation.
- Legs are equal in length and provide stable footing.
- Ladder rails free of sharp edges, burrs, or other hazards.
Surface Conditions
- Rungs and steps free of grease, oil, wet paint, or debris.
- Non-slip safety feet in place and in good condition.
Hardware & Moving Parts
- All hardware connections tight and secure.
- Rivets in good condition—not sheared or loose.
- Hinges, locks, spreaders, and other movable components operate freely without binding or excess play.
Accessories
- Any leg levelers, platforms, paint trays, stand-offs, or attachments are intact and functional.
If the ladder does not pass inspection, tag it “Dangerous – Do Not Use” and remove it from service immediately.
Ladder Care & Maintenance
To keep ladders in safe working condition, ensure workers do the following:
- Keep step to rail joints tight and hardware securely attached.
- Ensure all movable parts operate freely without sticking or excessive looseness.
- Lubricate locks, pulleys, and bearings as needed based on ladder type.
- Replace any frayed or worn rope on extension ladders.
- Maintain safety feet and other auxiliary components in good condition.
- Clean rungs regularly—keep them free of grease, oil, and buildup.
- Never paint ladders or coat them with materials that can hide defects; use clear varnish only if needed.
Ladder Storage
Proper storage increases ladder lifespan and reduces damage:
- Store ladders in a designated area out of direct sunlight, weather exposure, and corrosive environments.
- Never store materials on top of ladders.
- Straight and extension ladders should be stored horizontally on properly supported racks.
- Secure ladders during transport—vibration and impact can cause structural damage.
Why It Matters
Failure to inspect ladders can expose workers to severe injury or even death. Many ladder failures are predictable coming from damage that goes unnoticed because inspections are skipped or rushed.
Take the time to slow down, inspect your ladder before every use, and make sure it’s safe every single time you climb. Your life and the lives of your coworkers depend on it.