Safety Spotlight: Preventing Falls from a Ladder
Safety
Falls rank among the leading causes of workplace injuries, and according to OSHA, are the leading cause of death in the construction industry. In fact, falls from ladders make up nearly a third of those deaths each year.
While ladder safety should be top of mind on every job, March is National Ladder Safety Month — making now the time to review these smart habits for jobsite safety.
- Inspect before you climb.
Look for cracked rails, loose rungs, damaged feet, or missing parts. If a ladder is damaged, tag and remove it.
- Set it up right.
Place ladders on firm, level ground. For extension ladders, follow the 4 to 1 rule: for every 4 feet of height, keep the base 1 foot away from the wall.
- Keep three points of contact.
Always use two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand. - Face the ladder.
Climb up and down facing the ladder and avoid leaning or reaching too far.
- Don’t overreach.
Keep your belt buckle between the ladder rails. If you can’t comfortably reach what you need to reach, climb down and reposition the ladder using the 4 to 1 rule.
- Secure when needed.
Tie off extension ladders at the top when possible and have someone steady the base if necessary.
- Keep your hands free.
Use a tool belt or hoist materials instead of carrying items while climbing.
- Be aware of power lines.
When setting up a ladder outdoors, make sure you take power lines into account — and keep the ladder at least 10 feet away from any power lines.
Jobsite Safety Starts with the Right Support
Preventing falls from a ladder begins with proper equipment, safe setup, and following proven best practices on every job. Crescent Electric’s local teams are knowledgeable, experienced, and ready to help you identify the right ladders, safety equipment, and OSHA-aligned solutions to reduce fall risks on the jobsite.
Our local experts work directly with contractors, electricians, and facility teams to provide practical, job-ready support that helps keep crews safe and productive.
Visit your local Crescent Electric location or fill out the form below to connect with our team.