Should a ladder be tied off?

Yes, whenever possible. Secure the ladder at the top and bottom to prevent it from slipping or tipping. When it cannot be tied at the top, have a coworker foot the base or use a stabilizer to hold it in place.

Can two workers climb the same ladder at once?

No. Portable ladders are rated for a single climber. Two workers overload the ladder, exceed its duty rating, and dramatically increase the chance of failure and a fall.

How often should ladders be inspected?

Ladders must be inspected before each use for cracked rails, bent rungs, worn feet, and loose hardware, plus a documented periodic inspection. Any damaged ladder must be tagged and removed from service immediately.

How accurate is OSHA Scan at detecting improper ladder placement?

OSHA Scan detects improper ladder placement. It estimates the setup angle, checks footing stability and securing, and returns the specific issue and OSHA citation before the climb.

OSHA Scan

Improper Ladder Placement Is the Silent Killer on Job Sites

Set the angle right before anyone sets a boot on the rung

A ladder at the wrong angle, on soft ground, or unsecured at the top is one gust or one reach away from sliding out from under a worker. Ladder falls send thousands of workers to the emergency room every year, and most of them trace back to placement, not the ladder itself. OSHA Scan analyzes a photo of your setup to flag unsafe angles, unstable footing, and missing tie-offs before the climb begins.

Improper ladder placement means the ladder is set at the wrong angle, stood on an unstable or uneven surface, or left unsecured at the top and bottom. OSHA's rule of thumb is the 4-to-1 ratio — the base should sit one foot out from the wall for every four feet of working height, which puts the ladder at roughly a 75-degree angle. Set it too steep and it tips backward; set it too flat and the feet kick out.
In the field these hazards appear when crews rush. A ladder gets leaned against a wall on gravel or mud, propped on a pallet or bucket to gain a few extra feet, or placed in a doorway or traffic lane where it can be bumped. Extension ladders often fail to reach the required three feet above the landing, forcing workers to stretch off the top rungs to climb onto a roof or platform.
The danger is that a badly placed ladder looks perfectly fine to a busy crew. The ground may feel level but hide a soft spot, and an angle that is off by ten degrees is nearly invisible to the eye. Workers rarely realize the setup is unsafe until the ladder shifts mid-climb — which is exactly why a quick photo check pays off.

What is the correct ladder angle?

OSHA requires portable ladders to be set at roughly a 75-degree angle using the 4-to-1 ratio: place the base one foot out from the wall for every four feet of working height. A quick check is to stand with your toes at the feet and extend your arms — your palms should just reach the rung at shoulder height.

Can I place a ladder on a box or bucket to gain height?

No. OSHA prohibits standing a ladder on boxes, buckets, pallets, or other unstable objects to gain reach. Use a taller ladder, an extension ladder, or scaffolding rated for the working height instead.

How do I know if the ground is stable enough for a ladder?

The base must sit on a firm, level, and non-slip surface. Test soft ground, gravel, or mud before setting up, and use ladder levelers or a stable base plate on uneven terrain. Never set a ladder on ice, loose material, or a surface that can shift.

How far should an extension ladder reach above a landing?

An extension or straight ladder used to access an upper level must extend at least 3 feet above the landing surface so the worker has a secure handhold when stepping on and off, or be secured with a grab rail if extension is not possible.