Work safely at height
Set up ladders and raised platforms carefully so a slip doesn't become a fall.
- How often
- As needed
- Recommended for
- 5 factors
How to do it
- Pick a ladder tall enough for the job and rated for your weight plus tools.
- Set it on firm, level ground, clear of power lines. For a leaning ladder, put the base 1 foot out for every 4 feet of height.
- Wear lace-up shoes, keep your body centered between the rails, and move the ladder rather than overreaching.
- Have someone nearby, and skip the ladder if you are dizzy, tired, have been drinking, or it is windy.
- On a hunting tree stand or other raised platform, wear a full-body safety harness attached from the moment you leave the ground.
Why it helps
Falls from ladders and raised stands cause broken bones, head injuries and spinal injuries, and many happen at modest heights during routine chores. Most come from a ladder that slips, a stand that fails, or a person who leans too far.
Be careful
Get emergency care after any fall from height with head, neck or back pain. Look for overhead power lines before you move or raise any ladder, and keep clear of them. Avoid metal ladders near power lines or live electrical equipment.
Recommended for
Construction worker
Heavy loads, heights, noise, dust and weather, every day.
hobbyDIY home improvement
Ladders, power tools, heavy lifting and dust from old materials.
occupationElectrician
Crawl spaces, ladders, overhead work and live circuits.
hobbyHunting
Gunfire, tree stands, cold dawns and heavy hauls out of the woods.
occupationJanitor
Mopping, lifting and scrubbing, often on night shifts, with strong chemicals.