CLIMB Academy

CLIMB academy

October 10, 2025
By Louisville Ladder, for the Blue Print

Many of us use ladders every day, whether on the job site or for home projects. While these simple tools are very easy to use, they can also be very dangerous if used improperly. Consider C.L.I.M.B. each time you need a ladder to ensure you are being as safe as possible.

Choose it right

Before beginning a job, you must consider which ladder would be best. By evaluating the environment, potential hazards, and the physical requirements of the job, you can make an educated decision on the type of ladder as well as the load capacity you may need.

There are many types of ladders to choose from when making this decision. Below is a list of options to consider as well as what they may be best for.

A-Frame Stepladder – Best for everyday tasks where no wall support is available.
Twin Front Ladder – Allows two people to work simultaneously, one on each side.
Leaning Ladder – Ideal for working against walls, poles, or corners where support is needed.
Platform Ladder – Provides a large standing surface and guardrails for longer-duration tasks.
Step Stool – Perfect for quick, low-height access in tight spaces.
Manhole Ladder – Designed for vertical access into utility holes and confined spaces.
Extension Ladder – Extends to reach high places such as rooftops, building exteriors, or tall equipment

Look for damaged or missing parts

Always check for damage before using a ladder. Do not use a damaged ladder. Use a ladder-inspection chart as a guide for evaluating the safety of a ladder. Remember to inspect the ladder before you travel to the job site, because once you’re there you’ll be tempted to use the ladder regardless of its condition.

When checking for damage, it is important to check the whole ladder. Below, you can find a checklist to ensure you don’t miss a thing!

Steps – Loose, cracked, bent, or missing
Rails (Front & Back) – Cracked, bent, split, or uneven
Top – Loose, cracked, bent, or missing
Spreader Brace – Loose, bent, won’t lock, or corroded
Shoes – Rubber pad worn, loose, or missing
Pail Shelf – Bent, loose, missing, or broken
General Condition – Rust, corrosion, dirt, or other damage
Labels – Missing or illegible

Ensure a safe stable ladder set-up

A major cause of falls from ladders is improper set-up. Many accidents can be avoided with common sense and good work practices. Using proper set-up techniques will give your ladder maximum stability and help ensure your safety.

Move safely as you ascend and descend the ladder, using three points of contact at all times

Proper use of a ladder will contribute significantly to your safety. Factors contributing to falls include haste, sudden movement, lack of attention during use, ladder condition (worn or damaged), the user’s age or physical condition, or both, and the user’s footwear.

The likelihood of a fall is not a function of the user’s weight or size. However, improper climbing posture creating user clumsiness on the ladder may cause falls.

Be a safety expert - not a statistic

Do not neglect safety just because you use ladders regularly. It can be dangerous being comfortable because it may feel like you can skip steps. If you follow these steps each time you use a ladder for a job, you can be sure you are doing your part to be as safe as possible.

CLIMB with confidence

Every safe climb starts with the right mindset. By choosing the correct ladder, inspecting it carefully, setting it up properly, and using it with attention, you can reduce risks and increase productivity. If you are on the job site or at home, ladder safety more than just a checklist. It’s a habit that protects you and those around you.

Content originally from Louisville Ladder. Reused here with permission.