A perfectly good ladder becomes dangerous if it’s not set up correctly from the ground up.
Why It Matters:
Uneven, soft, or unstable surfaces can cause ladders to shift, wobble, or collapse — especially when you’re near the top. Most ladder accidents happen not because of broken equipment, but because of poor setup.
Key Points:
- Always place ladders on firm, level surfaces — never on loose gravel, mud, or stacked materials.
- Use ladder levelers or pads if the ground is uneven.
- Never set up a ladder on top of boxes, scaffolds, or other objects to gain extra height.
- The ladder’s base should be secured or stabilized if there’s a risk of slipping.
- Clear debris and tripping hazards from the area around the base.
✅ Solid footing = safe climbing.
Ask the Crew:
- Are our ladders set on firm, level ground?
- Do we need to stabilize or reposition any ladders today?
