A ladder seems like a simple enough thing to use. Lean it against the wall (or open it, if it’s a step ladder) and walk up its rungs. Yet, many people get it wrong. For example, instead of walking up its rungs, they may use a cross brace as a step. The cross brace is a precarious purchase to begin with, an easy thing from which to slip. If you manage not to slip, you can still break the cross brace just by putting your weight on it.
Ladders are usually marked with signage and/or red indicator strips instructing you not to sit or stand above a certain point on the ladder. Apparently, this information is only for the other guy because injuries from ignoring it are still in the OSHA reports.
Climbing up and down a ladder is the most dangerous part of using it, right? So why climb down, move the ladder, and climb back up when you can just lean to the side? This solution is another one that shows up in the injury reports. In fact, it is the No. 1 cause of ladder-related injuries. Leaning puts your center of gravity outside your base of support, and when that happens — over you go.
One solution that helps remedy this is the use of a ladder stabilizer. It bolts to the ladder and essentially extends your base of support. So with this attachment, you theoretically can lean a few inches more than you can without it. But the purpose of the stabilizer is to stabilize the ladder, not to increase how far you can lean from the center.
If you pay attention to how you climb up and down the ladder (more on that shortly), this part of ladder use is not the most dangerous. It is much better to plan a series of ladder positions (and thus climb up and down more often) than to try to minimize ladder moves in a way that requires excess reaching.
You can put your feet on autopilot when you walk on level ground; no need to watch what’s going on. But when climbing up or down a ladder, you should watch each foot placement. Look first where the foot is going, and then watch as you put it there.
Competition climbers train on this very thing, using a technique called “silent feet.” The idea is to place the foot so precisely that it makes no sound when moving to the new position. This is possible only when the climber looks before and during the movement.
Consider on a ladder how a small error can cause you to slip on a rung. Which part of your boot rests on the rung? Under the arch? Toe? Heel? You want to climb up or down with your toe on the rung and your heel slightly raised to give you the contact pressure that maximizes adherence (and thus minimizes slipping potential).
About the Author
Mark Lamendola
Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.
Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.
Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.