Ladder Inspection Checklist
Use this ladder safety checklist to reduce falls and other common accidents.
| Question | Response Type |
|---|---|
| 1. Have all other access options been explored and deemed impossible? ie. Scaffold, scissor lift, etc. | Yes No N/A |
| 2. Has the height of work area been verified to ensure the ladder is the adequate height? | Yes No N/A |
| 3. Is the ladder in good condition? ie. no signs of damage, denting or missing hardware? | Yes No N/A |
| 4. Have all obstructions on the ground been removed to ensure the ladder is set on level ground? | Yes No N/A |
| 5. Does the task allow for 3 points of contact to the ladder at all times? If no, please explain. | Yes No N/A |
| 6. If response to answer 5 is no, please explain. | Text Answer |
| 7. Are there other activities or equipment in the area that could impact the ladder location? If so, have other workers been notified? | Yes No N/A |
Download our ladder inspection checklist
Need an easy way to promote ladder safety on the jobsite? Fill out the form to download our ladder inspection checklist as an editable PDF. We’ll also email you a copy. Then, work through each checklist item to help reduce the risk of falls and other accidents.
Ladder Inspection FAQs
Find answers to some of the most common questions related to ladder inspection and safety in construction.
Frequent ladder inspections are important because they prevent slips, falls, and other common causes of injury on construction sites.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are thousands of injuries related to ladder use in construction each year. Inspections reinforce safety guidelines and help field crews identify potential ladder hazards before they lead to accidents.
By far, the most common ladder accidents are falls. Workers may slip and fall from a ladder, or the entire ladder may fall while an employee is using it.
However, other types of accidents may result from the improper use of ladders. For example, workers may be struck by falling ladders or struck by objects that fall or are dropped.
When conducting a ladder inspection, a safety manager will review both the jobsite and equipment.
Thorough ladder inspections cover:
- Height requirements – Is the ladder being used tall enough for the task following all recommended safety procedures?
- Equipment status – Is the ladder and any other equipment being used in good working condition?
- Potential hazards – Are there any physical obstructions in the work area? Is the ground stable? Is inclement weather a concern? Are any other tasks in progress that may affect the workspace?
- Alternate access options – Is there a safer way to complete this work?
If any potential hazards are identified during the ladder inspection, work must pause until the issues are resolved or corrected.
A ladder inspection should be conducted before any work requiring the use of a ladder is completed.
Then, as work progresses, the jobsite must be continuously monitored to make sure there are no changes and that all workers are using ladders safely.
These and other job hazards can be identified through regular jobsite inspections:
- Lack of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Improperly worn PPE
- Jobsite debris
- Spills
- Improper use of tools and equipment
- Improper storage of tools and equipment
- Mishandling of dangerous chemicals or materials
- Environmental hazards
These are the most common hazards to keep top of mind when working with ladders:
- Misuse of the ladder
- Failure to maintain three points of contact
- Uneven or unstable ground
- Missed steps/rungs while climbing
- Overreaching
- Overburdening
- Using an inadequate height ladders
- Using the wrong type of ladder
- Ladder wear and tear
1. Maintain three points of contact.
You should always have three points of contact with the ladder when using it. This means you should keep one hand and both feet on the ladder—or one foot and both hands—at all times.
2. Avoid overloading the ladder.
Make sure you understand the ladder’s weight capacity. Never exceed this limit.
Use a pulley system if possible to transfer equipment up and down the ladder instead of carrying it as you climb.
3. Always face the ladder when climbing or descending.
Facing the ladder when climbing or descending keeps the ladder more stable and secure.
4. Do not stand on the top step.
It is extremely difficult to maintain balance on the top step of any ladder.
5. Wear the proper footwear and safety gear.
No-slip footwear is essential for ladder work.
6. Remove all objects from the ladder before moving it.
Prevent injuries from being struck by making sure the ladder is clear of equipment and debris before moving it.
See how this checklist works in the app
There’s an easier way to find and complete construction checklists—and we’d love to walk you through it in a personalized demo. (All demos come with a free trial, too.)
