Scout's Toolbox Talks

Maintaining three points of contact while climbing ladders is the most basic — and most effective — way to prevent falls.

Why It Matters:

Falls from ladders remain a leading cause of injuries and fatalities on construction sites. Most of these incidents happen when a worker loses balance while climbing or descending. Keeping three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) greatly reduces the risk.

Key Points:

• Always face the ladder while climbing or descending.
• Maintain three points of contact at all times.
• Never carry tools or materials in your hands while climbing — use tool belts or hoist materials up separately.
• Slow and steady wins the race: don’t rush up or down.
• If a ladder is too short to maintain proper contact near the top, don’t use it. Get the right size.

✅ Three points of contact = one safer worker.

Ask the Crew:

• Are we following the three-point contact rule on every climb?
• Have we ever felt tempted to carry something up by hand? How can we avoid that?

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