In Canada, ladder safety tips can help prevent serious injuries at work and at home. Approximately 22,710 ladder-related injuries and 161 fatalities are reported each year, with most of them preventable (Height Works, 2025). A two-minute inspection before you climb can help you spot hazards early.
Whether you work in construction, maintenance, or simply use a ladder at home, this guide covers the essentials. You’ll learn how to inspect a ladder before use, follow a practical ladder safety checklist, and apply essential ladder safety tips in everyday situations. In addition, you’ll learn how proper setup, safe climbing, and regular inspections can reduce the risk of falls.
These simple checks can become part of your daily routine. More importantly, consistent habits can help you avoid common ladder hazards before they lead to an injury. If you want to build stronger workplace ladder safety knowledge, the Ladder Safety course provides practical guidance on ladder inspection, safe use, and essential workplace safety practices.
Why Ladder Safety Matter – In the Workplace and at Home
Falls from ladders remain one of the leading causes of serious workplace injuries across Canada. In fact, the federal government's 2023 occupational safety report confirmed that workplace fatalities rose to their highest level in recent years.
Specifically, over 1,056 accepted fatalities occurred across all injury types, and falls from heights consistently ranked among the top causes (Canadian Occupational Safety).
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) identifies ladder misuse as one of the most preventable safety failures in both industrial and residential settings. However, workers keep repeating the same mistakes: using a damaged ladder, setting it on unstable ground, skipping inspection, or rushing the job. Therefore, following basic ladder safety tips can prevent most of these incidents.
At home, the risks are just as real. For example, Canadians often climb ladders for cleaning, painting, roofing, and seasonal maintenance without any formal safety training.
As a result, small errors can quickly turn into serious injuries — which is exactly why ladder safety tips matter just as much outside the workplace.
Common Ladder-Related Accidents and Risks
Overall, most ladder accidents follow a predictable pattern. So, understanding these risks is the first step toward avoiding them:
- Overreaching: Leaning too far to one side shifts the centre of gravity and tips the ladder.
- Using a damaged ladder: Cracked rails, loose rungs, or bent locks are silent hazards.
- Improper placement: Setting a ladder on soft soil, wet surfaces, or uneven ground creates an unstable base.
- Skipping the inspection: This remains the most common, and most avoidable, mistake of all.
For a deeper look at how these accidents happen, and how to avoid each one, read our companion guide: Common Ladder Accidents and How to Avoid Them.
Complete Ladder Safety Checklist Before Use
Before you place a single foot on a ladder, run through this ladder safety checklist. Indeed, it takes less than two minutes, and it can save your life.
Check Ladder Stability and Placement
A ladder is only as safe as the surface beneath it. So, before use, confirm the following:
First, the ground must be firm, level, and dry. Soft soil, wet concrete, and icy pavement are all hazards. If the surface is uneven, use approved ladder levelling devices instead. Never use improvised solutions like bricks or wooden blocks. Additionally, the feet of the ladder should have non-slip rubber pads in good condition. If they are worn or missing, replace them before use.
For extension ladders, position the base at a 1:4 ratio. In other words, for every four feet of working height, place the base one foot away from the wall. This is a standard guideline referenced by both CCOHS and provincial safety authorities across Canada.
Inspect Rungs, Rails, and Locks
Working from the bottom up, visually inspect each rung. Specifically, look for:
- Bent, cracked, or loose rungs that flex under pressure
- Rails (the side beams) that are bent, twisted, or warped
- Locking mechanisms on extension ladders that fail to engage fully, or that release unexpectedly
- Spreader bars on step ladders that fail to lock into the open position
According to CCOHS's ladder inspection guidelines, you should check rails for distortion by sighting along them. A visually straight rail confirms structural integrity. Therefore, any distortion means you should remove the ladder from service immediately.
Look for Cracks, Bends, or Damage
Fiberglass and aluminum ladders may show cracks that are not immediately obvious. So, run your hand along the rails and check for hairline fractures, especially near the feet and the top cap. Similarly, wooden ladders, though less common in modern workplaces, need checks for rot, warping, or paint that may be hiding structural damage. In fact, CCOHS advises against painting wooden ladders for this exact reason.
Overall, tag any ladder with visible damage "Do Not Use," and remove it from the work area. Never tape over cracks or attempt field repairs. After all, a compromised ladder is not a cost-saving measure. Rather, it is a liability.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Inspect a Ladder Before Use
This four-step process follows CCOHS inspection principles. Moreover, it covers everything you need to know about ladder inspection before use, and it applies to both portable and fixed ladders used in Canadian workplaces.
Step 1: Check the Ladder Structure
First, begin your inspection before the ladder even leaves storage. Lay it flat, or lean it against a wall, and examine the full length from end to end. Then, look at the rails, rungs, feet, and any hardware like bolts or rivets. Confirm that all components are present and undamaged. Nothing should be loose, missing, or visually deformed.
Step 2: Test Stability on Flat Ground
Next, set the ladder on a flat indoor surface. Gently apply downward pressure on the rungs while holding the rails. The ladder should not wobble, flex, or shift. If it does, check the feet and the structural integrity of the joints. After all, a ladder that is unstable on flat ground will be far more dangerous on a real job site.
Step 3: Ensure All Parts Are Secure
Then, open the ladder to its working position. For step ladders, spread the legs fully and lock the spreader bar into place. For extension ladders, raise the fly section and confirm the locking hooks (also called "dogs" or "pawls") sit firmly on the rungs and do not slip under manual pressure. Likewise, on combination ladders, check every hinge and locking joint.
Step 4: Confirm No Loose or Missing Components
Finally, this last check covers the details that are easy to overlook. Look for missing bolts, frayed rope on extension ladders, corroded pulleys, or damaged anti-slip feet. As CCOHS notes, workers should clean and lightly lacquer fibreglass ladders every three months. They should also replace extension ladder ropes when frayed. Additionally, lubricate pulleys regularly to keep operation smooth and safe.
Want to know which inspection steps apply to your specific ladder? Check out our guide on Types of Ladders and Their Uses.
Workplace Ladder Safety Tips for Maximum Protection
Ladder safety in a workplace environment involves more than personal habits. Rather, it requires coordination, communication, and compliance with Canadian occupational health and safety standards.
Follow Site Safety Rules
Every Canadian workplace must have written safety procedures for working at heights. This is a legal requirement under OHS regulations. Before starting any ladder-related task, workers should check three things. First, has the employer reviewed the site safety plan? Second, is the area below clear of workers and equipment? Third, has the task gone through a proper risk assessment? Together, these checks form the foundation of good ladder safety tips at any job site.
However, rules can differ from province to province. So, always check your local guidelines. For instance, Ontario follows the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Alberta has its own OHS Act. Meanwhile, BC follows WorkSafeBC regulations.
Use Proper PPE
Personal protective equipment does not replace a safe ladder. Instead, it works alongside it. Therefore, wear footwear with slip-resistant soles and heels, and make sure boot soles are clean before stepping on any rung. Additionally, hard hats protect against falling objects from above. When working at heights where a fall is possible, you may also need fall arrest equipment. Naturally, requirements vary depending on workplace type and provincial guidelines.
Maintain 3-Point Contact
This remains one of the most fundamental, and most often ignored, rules in ladder use. Essentially, three-point contact means keeping two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, on the ladder at all times while climbing or descending. As Canada's OHS regulations explicitly state, employees must maintain three-point contact while ascending or descending a fixed ladder. Likewise, the same principle applies to portable ladders.
So, carry tools in a tool belt or holster, not in your hands. Alternatively, use a rope or bucket to hoist materials separately.
Extension Ladder Safety Tips for Heavy-Duty Work
Extension ladders are widely used on construction sites and in maintenance work across Canada. Because of their height and adjustability, they are versatile. However, misuse also makes them particularly dangerous.
Proper Angle Positioning
The 1:4 rule applies specifically, and critically, to extension ladders. Simply put, set the base one foot out from the wall for every four feet of working height. For example, a ladder reaching 16 feet up a wall should have its base placed 4 feet from that wall. This angle, roughly 75 degrees, provides the optimal balance of stability and usability. If you set the ladder too steep, it risks tipping backward. Conversely, if it's too shallow, the feet can slide outward.
Secure Top and Bottom Support
An extension ladder should extend at least three feet (about one metre) above the landing point when accessing a roof or elevated platform. This extra length gives you a secure handhold when stepping on and off. Additionally, rest the top of the ladder against a solid, non-flexible surface. Avoid gutters, window frames, or anything that might give way under pressure.
At the base, use a spotter. Alternatively, secure the ladder feet with stakes or approved anchoring devices on outdoor or soft terrain.
Avoid Overreaching
The rule is simple: keep your belt buckle between the rails at all times. The moment your hips extend beyond either rail, your centre of gravity shifts, and the risk of tipping becomes significant. So, if you cannot reach your work area safely from your current position, climb down and reposition the ladder instead. After all, it takes an extra two minutes, whereas a fall takes much longer to recover from.
Step Ladder Safety Tips for Indoor and Outdoor Use
Step ladders are the most commonly used ladder in both homes and workplaces. Unfortunately, they are also frequently misused.
Fully Open and Lock Before Use
A step ladder that is not fully open is not a safe ladder. Therefore, the spreader bars must be completely extended and locked before any weight is applied. Often, step ladder accidents happen because a worker leaned against a partially open ladder, causing it to collapse inward. So, make this a non-negotiable habit.
Never Stand on the Top Step
The top step and top cap of a step ladder are not designed to support a standing worker. Rather, they are structural components, not platforms. Standing on the top step dramatically raises your centre of gravity, and it eliminates all three-point contact options. So, if you need to reach higher, use a taller ladder instead of the top step of a shorter one.
Keep Balance Centred
Avoid side-loading a step ladder. Ideally, all force should travel straight down through the rungs into the legs. However, leaning to reach a surface to the left or right shifts the load laterally and creates a tipping risk. Instead, position the ladder directly in front of your work area, and move it as needed rather than overreaching.
Essential Ladder Safety Rules You Must Follow
These rules apply universally, regardless of ladder type, worksite, or task.
Always Inspect Before Use
Ultimately, this entire guide has been building toward this single point. Inspection is not optional, and it is not a formality. In fact, Canada's construction safety OHS guide requires that a competent person inspect every ladder before each use, and at least once annually. So, a two-minute check before you climb is the most reliable safety measure available.
Never Use Damaged Ladders
A cracked rung, a bent rail, or a broken locking mechanism is not a minor inconvenience. Rather, it is a failure point waiting to be triggered under load. So, tag it, report it, and remove it from service. Indeed, using a damaged ladder is not just dangerous; in a workplace setting, it may also put your employer in violation of provincial OHS regulations.
Maintain Weight Limit
Every ladder has a rated load capacity: the maximum weight it can safely support, including the worker, their clothing, and any tools or materials. This rating appears on the ladder's label. Therefore, exceeding it risks structural failure. So, always check the duty rating before use, especially when carrying heavy equipment.
Ladder Safety Tips at Home for Everyday Use
You do not need to be on a job site for a ladder accident to be serious. In fact, home-based falls from ladders send thousands of Canadians to emergency rooms each year.
Safe Cleaning and Repair Use
Whether you are cleaning gutters, changing light fixtures, or trimming trees, treat every home ladder task with the same diligence as a workplace task. So, inspect the ladder, set it on a firm surface, and wear footwear with good grip. Also, never work alone when using an extension ladder outdoors.
Keep Ladder on Dry Surface
Wet, icy, or muddy surfaces are among the most common causes of ladder-base slippage at home. So, if you must work in wet conditions, use ladder feet with enhanced grip, place the ladder on a dry mat or wooden board, and have a second person hold the base. If conditions turn icy, postpone the task instead.
Proper Storage After Use
A ladder that is stored improperly degrades faster, and it presents its own hazards. So, store ladders horizontally on dedicated wall brackets or on a rack to prevent warping. Also, keep them away from heat sources, chemicals, and moisture. Never leave extension ladders leaning against a wall in storage, since prolonged leaning can bow the rails over time. Finally, inspect the storage condition before each use cycle, particularly after winter months in Canadian climates.
Want to Sharpen Your Ladder Safety Knowledge?
Want to go deeper than a checklist? Our online Ladder Safety course walks you through inspection techniques, proper setup, and workplace compliance. So, you can learn at your own pace, from any device. Overall, it's flexible, practical, and built for real-world readiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a ladder be inspected?
Ideally, workers should visually inspect every ladder before each use, and undergo a more thorough inspection at least annually. CCOHS recommends checking rails, rungs, locks, and feet each time, since damage can develop between uses. So, a two-minute check catches most hazards before they cause an injury.
At what height do I need fall protection with a ladder?
Generally, most Canadian provinces require fall protection when working at 3 metres (about 10 feet) or more. However, Alberta sets a lower threshold of 1.2 metres for permanent work areas. Regardless of height, though, protection is required near hazards like open pits, moving equipment, or unstable surfaces below.
What is the correct angle for an extension ladder?
Simply put, extension ladders should follow the 1:4 ratio: for every four feet of working height, the base sits one foot from the wall. This creates roughly a 75-degree angle, the balance CCOHS and provincial safety bodies recommend for stability without risking a backward tip or base slide.
Can I use a damaged ladder if the damage looks minor?
No. Any visible damage, cracked rails, loose rungs, or locks that don't fully engage, means the ladder should be tagged "Do Not Use" and removed from service immediately. Indeed, field repairs or tape aren't acceptable fixes; after all, a compromised ladder is a liability, not a cost-saving option.
Is three-point contact required by law in Canada?
Yes. For fixed ladders under Canada's OHS regulations, employees must maintain three-point contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) while climbing. Similarly, the same principle is treated as best practice, and often a compliance expectation, for portable ladders in most provincial jurisdictions.
How do I know if a ladder is safe to use at home?
Simply run through the same checklist you'd use at work: check the rails, rungs, locks, and feet for damage, confirm the ground is firm and dry, and set the correct angle for extension ladders. If anything looks worn, cracked, or unstable, don't use it — and don't improvise a repair.
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