LADDER SAFETY TOOLBOX TALK
Control fall, slip and overturn hazards.
Hazards, safe use and daily pre-work verification.
Toolbox Topic
LADDER SAFETY TOOLBOX TALK
Duration
8–10 MINUTES
Date
Site / Area
Supervisor
Company
Participants
Document No
OBJECTIVE
Ensure the safe use of portable and fixed ladders while preventing falls, slips, overturning and misuse.
TOPIC EXPLANATION
Use ladders only for short-duration, low-risk work.
Inspect ladders before use and remove damaged ladders from service.
Apply the 4:1 rule, maintain three points of contact and position the ladder on stable ground.
REALISTIC SITE SCENARIO
A worker overreached while standing on the top step of a ladder.
The ladder slipped and the worker fell.
Correct positioning and repositioning the ladder would have prevented the incident.
REMEMBER
A ladder provides access, not a work platform.
KEY HAZARDS
Damaged ladders
Incorrect angle
Unstable ground
Standing on the top step
Overreaching
Metal ladders near electricity
Unsecured ladders
Carrying loads while climbing
CONTROL MEASURES
Inspect before use.
Apply the 4:1 rule.
Maintain three points of contact.
Secure the ladder.
Do not stand on the top step.
Reposition instead of overreaching.
Use fiberglass ladders near electricity.
Check anti-slip feet.
Remove damaged ladders from service.
Barricade the area if necessary.
SUPERVISOR TALKING SCRIPT
Today all ladders will be inspected before use. We will apply the 4:1 rule, maintain three points of contact and never work from the top step.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Has the ladder been inspected?
Is the 4:1 rule applied?
Is the ladder secured?
Is the ground stable?
Is there an electrical hazard?
Will three points of contact be maintained?
VERIFY BEFORE STARTING TODAY
Ladder inspected
Rungs intact
Anti-slip feet OK
Correct angle
Ladder secured
Ground stable
Electrical hazard assessed
Three-point contact
PPE worn
Team briefed
ATTENDANCE AND APPROVAL
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Date
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Attendance and Signature
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Supervisor Signature
HSE Approval
SERNEM HSE Resource — Ladder Safety