Ladders are one of the most common pieces of equipment found in Ontario workplaces. From construction sites and warehouses to retail stores, offices, and maintenance environments, ladders are used daily for routine tasks.
Because they are so common, they’re often taken for granted. Ladder-related incidents remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries. Many of them are preventable.
A few consistent safety practices can dramatically reduce risk, regardless of the industry.
Why Ladder Safety Matters
- Falls from ladders result in thousands of preventable injuries every year.
- Most incidents happen during routine, short-duration tasks such as changing a lightbulb, stocking a shelf, accessing storage, or performing quick maintenance.
- Proper ladder selection, inspection, setup, and training protect both workers and productivity.
Ladder safety should never be treated as routine or low risk.
Legislative Requirements in Ontario
Ladder safety is governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and applicable regulations including:
Ontario Regulation 851 – Industrial Establishments Sections 18–19
Ontario Regulation 213/91 – Construction Projects, Sections 78-86
These regulations outline employer responsibilities for ensuring ladders are maintained, positioned, and used safely. You will need to check the requirements in your specific jurisdiction. As always, employers must take every reasonable precaution to protect workers. This includes assessing tasks involving ladders and implementing appropriate controls.
Conducting a Hazard Assessment
Before work begins, employers should assess ladder-related hazards. A practical approach is the RACE method (Recognize, Assess, Control and Evaluate).
Recognize
Identify potential hazards related to the task, environment, and worker. Examples include:
- Falls from heights due to ladders being used to perform work
- Ladders shifting due to not being properly secured against a structure
- Slips and falls while climbing up or down a ladder
- Electrical shock hazards when working near power sources
- Poor footing conditions (ice, debris, uneven ground)
Assess
Evaluate the likelihood and severity of injury. This determines the level of risk and helps prioritize control measures.
Controls
Most ladder incidents occur due to:
- Using the wrong ladder for the specific job
- Using ladders that are defective or in poor condition
- Improper setup or positioning
- Inadequate worker training
Whenever possible, consider whether a safer alternative (such as a scaffold or lift platform) is more appropriate. If ladder use is necessary, implement controls based on the hierarchy of hazard controls.
Evaluate
After controls are implemented, review their effectiveness:
- Has the risk been reduced?
- Are workers following procedures?
- Have any new hazards been introduced?
Continuous evaluation strengthens due diligence and improves safety performance.
Practical Ladder Safety Guidelines
While controls must be task-specific, the following best practices apply broadly:
Inspection & Maintenance:
- Inspect ladders before each use for defects like loose steps, cracks, bent rails, loose rungs or broken/missing non-slip feet.
- Ensure spreaders, locks and non-slip feet are fully functional.
- Keep ladders clean and dry as oil, grease, or mud can cause slips.
- Remove damaged ladders from service immediately.
Proper Setup:
- Follow the 4-to-1 rule for extension ladders (base 1 foot away for every 4 feet of height).
- Guard or fence off the area around a ladder, in an area where persons have access.
- Set up barricades and warning signs when using a ladder near doorways or high-traffic zones.
- Ensure the ladder is on stable, level, and non-slippery surfaces.
- Clear area around base and top of the ladder of debris, tools, and other objects.
- Do not set up or use ladders on ice, snow, or other slippery surfaces.
Safe Usage:
Use the correct ladder type and rating for the task/job. (Class 1 or Class 1A for any workplace activity).
- Ensure ladders have labels and capacity stickers that are legible.
- Maintain three-point contact at all times while climbing.
- Keep your body centered between the side rails.
- Do not overreach; move the ladder instead.
- Do not stand on the top two rungs or steps of a ladder.
- Do not use metal ladders near live electrical wires or panels.
- Grasp ladders near the centre when carrying them.
Training:
Workers must be trained to:
- Identify ladder-related hazards
- Select the right ladder for the job
- Inspect and maintain ladders
- Set up and use ladders safely
Final Thoughts
Ladders are valuable tools, but they are not risk-free. Routine tasks often create a false sense of security, which increases the likelihood of incidents. A structured hazard assessment, proper controls, and effective training can dramatically reduce ladder-related injuries in the workplace. Let’s prevent any potential injuries, fines or non-compliance issues ahead of time. Prevention is better than reaction!
If you require assistance reviewing your ladder safety procedures, conducting hazard assessments, or strengthening your health and safety program, I would be happy to help. Contact me today by phone or email.
Phone: 416-984-1107
