Ladder Use Training

Incorrect use of ladders can result in serious injury and death. Knowing what activities are suitable for what kinds of ladders, and knowing how to use ladders even when they are appropriate for the task, is crucial for user safety.

Responsibility and Timing

• Ladder use training is the responsibility of the employer, whether the person being trained is a full-time or part-time employee, or a day laborer or contractor. Ladder use training should be completed before the first time that the employee uses a ladder or stepladder.

Topics to Cover

• Ladder use training should cover a variety of topics. These include when ladder use is justified, and when it must be avoided, common problems in ladder use, how to determine whether the site is safe for a ladder, alternatives to ladder use and personal conditions that restrict a user from ladder use.

Records

• To protect themselves from liability, employers should keep clear records about who received ladder use training, who conveyed that training, when it was conveyed and what topics were covered. Employees should receive ladder use training at least annually.