How to Comply with OSHA’s Ladder Safety Requirements

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons estimates that 500,000 people are treated for ladder-related injuries each year, and about 300 of those incidents result in fatality.

In January 2025, EHS Today published an article stating that the most common ladder-related accidents were from the ladder being set up incorrectly, followed by using the wrong ladder for the job (too long, too short, wrong material, wrong application).

Whether you are climbing a 50-foot ladder to access a roof or using a stepstool to reach the highest shelf, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has rules for the safe use of ladders. We can use these regulations to increase users’ basic knowledge on ladder safety and prevent ladder-related injuries.

Ladder Safety Basics

The OSHA General Industry requirements for using ladders come from 29 CFR 1910.23 and 1910.30 (training requirements). There is a very wide range of ladder types, including but not limited to:

• Step ladders
• Extension ladders
• Telescoping ladders
• Multipurpose ladders
• Platform ladders

The OSHA standard lists many requirements for rung spacing, clear width, labeling, structural integrity, barricade guarding, inspections, and more, depending on the type of ladder and purpose for which it is used.

Overall, ladders must only be used for the purposes for which they are designed, they should be visually inspected before each use, any ladder deemed defective or damaged should be tagged “Dangerous: Do not use,” and they must be stored properly. These are just a few of the hundreds of rules under 1910.23, so it is important to review the standard thoroughly and make sure you are using the correct ladder in the correct way.

Also remember to familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings, as OSHA often directs users to follow those guidelines.

Training Requirements

OSHA regulation 1910.30 states that “the employer must train each employee on or before May 17, 2017 in the proper care, inspection, storage, and use of equipment…before an employee uses the equipment.” The training requirements in this standard do not only apply to ladders, but to other general industry walking and working surfaces as well. These include stairways, scaffolds, fall protection systems, and dockboards.

Employees must be retrained when the employer has reason to believe the employee does not have the understanding and skill required by OSHA. These situations can include the following:

• When changes in the workplace render previous training obsolete or inadequate
• When changes in the types of fall protection systems or equipment to be used render previous training obsolete or inadequate
• When inadequacies in an affected employee’s knowledge or use of fall protection systems or equipment indicate that the employee no longer has the requisite understanding or skill necessary to use equipment or perform the job safely

Training must be provided in a manner that the employee understands.

How Can Walden Help?

Work with Walden’s EHS team to ensure that you are in compliance with all of OSHA’s ladder safety requirements. Our experienced safety professionals provide a wide variety of comprehensive training programs. We know the ins and outs of the health and safety regulations that apply to your facility; contact us at 860-846-4069 to speak with one of our EHS specialists today!