Why this matters
Use the right ladder, set it on a stable surface and climb it in a way that keeps your balance and the ladder secure. Falls usually start with a small setup problem: the wrong access method, a missing edge/opening control, an unstable base, or a worker reaching farther than the system was designed to allow. The crew should be able to point to the fall exposure and the exact protection before anyone climbs or steps into the area.
A scenario to discuss
During Extension & Step Ladder Safety, the selected access or fall-protection setup worked for the first position but not the next one. A worker can reach the next point only by leaning, climbing higher, or moving outside the protected area. What needs to change before that next step?
Before work starts
- Walk the actual access route and point out edges, openings, transitions and landing areas before anyone climbs.
- Inspect the selected ladder/scaffold/lift/fall-protection components and remove damaged equipment from service.
- Clear the base and landing areas so the access system cannot be struck, blocked or set on unstable footing.
- Inspect rails, rungs, feet, locks and labels before use; remove damaged ladders from service.
- Set ladders on stable, level surfaces or secure them against displacement.
Common failure points
- Choosing access equipment that is too short, unstable or poorly positioned for the actual reach.
- Allowing a guard, cover, tie-off point or walking surface to change without stopping exposure.
- Carrying material or reaching in a way that moves the worker’s center of balance outside the safe system.
Safe work sequence / controls
- Inspect rails, rungs, feet, locks and labels before use; remove damaged ladders from service.
- Set ladders on stable, level surfaces or secure them against displacement.
- Keep your body centered between the side rails and descend to reposition instead of leaning out.
- Maintain a secure handhold while climbing and use a tool belt, hoist line or another method for carrying materials.
- Protect ladders placed near doors, aisles or traffic from being struck or moved.
Stop and reset the plan if...
- Required guardrails, covers, access equipment or fall protection are missing, damaged or moved.
- The walking/working surface becomes wet, unstable, obstructed or otherwise different from the planned condition.
- The task requires reaching, climbing or positioning outside the safe working limits of the selected system.
Questions worth asking the crew
- Where is the actual fall exposure in today's work path, and what protects the worker at that exact point?
- What access/fall-protection component must be inspected before use, and what defect would take it out of service?
- What part of the task could tempt someone to overreach, climb, step around a guard, or leave the protected position?
- If the surface, access, guard, anchor, weather, or work position changes, what has to be reset before anyone continues?
- Has anyone had an access, edge or fall-protection setup become unsafe after work started? What changed first?
Make it real on the job
Point to the fall exposure and physically show the crew the access/protection that controls it.
Close the talk
Before the crew starts, everyone should be able to explain the hazard, point to the control being used today, and name the condition that would make the work stop.
Related authoritative reference
29 CFR 1926.1053 - Ladders · Open reference ↗
This is a practical discussion guide, not a substitute for required training, a competent person, permits, manufacturer instructions, employer procedures, or applicable federal/state/local requirements. Adapt it to the actual task and conditions.
