Stepladders: The Hazards Nobody Respects

Why it matters

The stepladder is the most familiar tool on site, and familiarity is the problem. Standing on the top cap, leaning one-legged to reach a fixture, or using a folded stepladder as a straight ladder are all normal-looking moves that put people in the emergency room. Stepladders have their own rules under the OSHA ladder standard. Today we go through the ones crews break every day.

Hazards

• ⚠ Standing on the top cap or the step below it
• ⚠ Climbing a closed stepladder leaned against a wall
• ⚠ Spreaders not locked, letting the ladder fold underfoot
• ⚠ Overreaching sideways and tipping the ladder
• ⚠ Setting feet on uneven ground, drop cloths, or debris
• ⚠ Climbing with loaded hands or with your back to the ladder

Controls and safe practices

• ✓ Never stand on the top cap or top step. If you need that height, get a taller ladder or a platform ladder.
• ✓ Open fully, lock both spreaders, all four feet on firm level ground.
• ✓ A stepladder is not a straight ladder. Never use it closed and leaned.
• ✓ Belt buckle stays between the rails. Move the ladder instead of reaching.
• ✓ Inspect before use: cracked rails, loose steps, missing feet mean tag it out.
• ✓ Face the ladder, keep three points of contact, and carry tools on a belt.
• ✓ Respect the duty rating: worker plus tools within the label.

Crew discussion questions

1. Which tasks this week tempt us to stand on the top step, and what taller ladder do we need instead?
2. Where is the ground bad on this site for setting ladders?
3. Who checked our stepladders last, and where do damaged ones go?
4. When did each of us last move the ladder instead of reaching? Be honest.

Applicable OSHA standards

29 CFR 1926.1053

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