Ladders are one of the most commonly used — and most frequently cited — pieces of equipment across every industry. OSHA reports that falls from ladders account for approximately 20% of fatal and non-fatal fall injuries in the workplace, and ladder violations consistently rank in OSHA's top 10 most cited standards each year. In construction alone, roughly 33% of fall-related fatalities involve ladders. A disciplined pre-use inspection takes less than a minute and is the single most effective step to prevent ladder-related incidents.
Free Ladder Inspection Checklist
Download our Word document checklist for portable and fixed ladder inspections.
Download Checklist (.docx)Why Ladder Inspections Are Required
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23 — General Industry
OSHA's general industry ladder standard requires employers to ensure ladders are maintained in a safe condition at all times. Key requirements include:
- 1910.23(b)(9): Portable ladders with structural defects shall immediately be tagged "Do Not Use" or marked in a manner that identifies them as defective, and withdrawn from service until repaired in accordance with 1910.22(d) or replaced.
- 1910.23(b)(10): Each employee shall face the ladder when climbing up or down.
- 1910.22(d): Ladders shall be inspected before initial use in each work shift and more frequently as necessary to identify any visible defects.
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1053 — Construction
The construction industry ladder standard contains additional requirements specific to construction environments:
- 1926.1053(b)(15): Ladders shall be inspected by a competent person for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use.
- 1926.1053(b)(16): Defective ladders shall be withdrawn from service and tagged "Do Not Use" or similarly marked, until repaired to meet original design criteria or destroyed.
- 1926.1053(b)(1): Portable ladders shall extend at least 3 feet above the landing surface when used for access.
ANSI Ladder Standards
The American National Standards Institute publishes detailed ladder safety standards that complement OSHA requirements and are commonly referenced during enforcement actions:
- ANSI A14.1: Wood ladders
- ANSI A14.2: Portable metal ladders (aluminum and steel)
- ANSI A14.3: Fixed ladders
- ANSI A14.5: Portable reinforced plastic ladders (fiberglass)
These standards specify load ratings, duty ratings, inspection criteria, and acceptable defect tolerances. OSHA frequently references ANSI standards as evidence of industry best practice.
Portable Ladder Inspection: Pre-Use Checks
Every portable ladder (stepladders, extension ladders, platform ladders) should be visually inspected before each use. This takes less than 60 seconds and should become habitual for anyone using a ladder.
| Inspection Item | Expected Result / What to Check |
|---|---|
| Side rails | No cracks, bends, splits, corrosion, or dents. Fiberglass rails free of blooming (exposed glass fibers), chips, or UV degradation. Metal rails free of sharp edges or weld failures. |
| Rungs, steps, and cleats | All rungs present, secure, and evenly spaced. No cracks, bends, or excessive wear. Non-slip surfaces intact and free of grease, oil, or mud. |
| Rung-to-rail connections | Rivets, bolts, and welds intact. No looseness or play when weight is applied. No missing or loose fasteners. |
| Feet and safety shoes | Rubber or pivoting feet present and in good condition. No excessive wear, missing pads, or hardened rubber. Feet pivot freely to match the ground surface angle. |
| Spreader bars / braces (stepladders) | Spreader bars fully open and locked in position. Locking mechanism functional. Braces not bent, cracked, or missing. |
| Locking mechanisms (extension ladders) | Rung locks (dogs/pawls) engage securely on both sides. Springs functional with adequate tension. Locks do not slip when weight is applied. |
| Rope and pulley (extension ladders) | Rope not frayed, cut, or excessively worn. Pulley rotates freely. Rope securely attached at both ends. |
| Labels and markings | Duty rating label legible and attached. Safety instruction labels present. ANSI compliance label visible. Manufacturer identification readable. |
| Overall straightness | Sight along side rails to detect any twisting, bowing, or misalignment. Rails should be straight and parallel. |
| Hardware and accessories | All bolts, nuts, and rivets tight. Shelf trays (if equipped) secure. Accessory hooks and tool holders undamaged. |
Fixed Ladder Inspection
Fixed ladders (permanently attached to structures) require periodic inspections by a competent person. Frequency should be based on environment, usage, and manufacturer recommendations.
| Inspection Item | Expected Result / What to Check |
|---|---|
| Structural mounting | Wall brackets, standoff brackets, and base plates securely fastened. Anchor bolts tight and not corroded. No movement when ladder is loaded. |
| Side rails and rungs | No corrosion, cracks, or structural damage. Rungs firmly attached and not bent. Uniform rung spacing (12 inches on center per OSHA). Minimum clear width of 16 inches between side rails. |
| Cage or well (if applicable) | Cage hoops intact and securely fastened. No bent or missing sections. Vertical bars properly spaced. Note: OSHA now requires personal fall arrest or ladder safety systems on fixed ladders over 24 feet; cages alone are no longer compliant for new installations. |
| Ladder safety system (if applicable) | Cable or rail in good condition without kinks, corrosion, or damage. Carrier/shuttle device operates smoothly. Cable tension adequate per manufacturer specifications. |
| Landing platforms | Platforms secure and in good condition. Guardrails present where required (over 20 feet). Gate or chain functional. Non-slip surface intact. |
| Clearances | Minimum 7 inches from centerline of rung to nearest permanent obstruction on climbing side. At least 30 inches clearance on climbing side from front face of rung to nearest permanent obstruction behind the ladder. |
| Extension above landing | Side rails or grab bars extend at least 42 inches above the access level to provide a secure handhold when stepping off the ladder. |
| Corrosion and paint | Protective coatings intact. Surface corrosion identified and treated. Structural corrosion (pitting, thinning) requires engineering evaluation. |
Corrective Actions
When a ladder fails any inspection item, take the following steps:
Immediate Response
- Remove the ladder from service immediately
- Apply a "Do Not Use" or "Out of Service" tag (OSHA requirement)
- Prevent access by other workers — do not lean the ladder against a wall where someone may grab it
- Document the deficiency on the inspection form
- Report to the supervisor or safety coordinator
Repair or Disposal
- Structural damage (cracked rails, bent rungs, broken welds): Generally cannot be field-repaired. Destroy the ladder to prevent reuse and replace it.
- Minor component replacement (feet, rope, pulleys): May be repaired if done per manufacturer specifications by a qualified person
- After repair, the ladder must meet its original design criteria before being returned to service
- Document all repairs, replacement parts used, and the return-to-service inspection
- Never paint a wood ladder — paint hides defects. Only clear coatings are permitted per OSHA.
Best Practices
Setup and Use
- Set extension ladders at a 4:1 ratio (1 foot out for every 4 feet of height)
- Extend at least 3 feet above the landing surface for access
- Secure the top and/or bottom of the ladder to prevent movement
- Maintain three points of contact at all times while climbing
- Never exceed the rated load capacity (weight of person plus tools and materials)
- Use fiberglass ladders near electrical hazards — never use metal ladders near energized equipment
Storage and Maintenance
Proper storage extends ladder life and reduces defects found during inspections:
- Store ladders horizontally on wall brackets or in dedicated racks to prevent warping
- Keep ladders out of direct sunlight to prevent fiberglass UV degradation
- Store in a dry area away from excessive heat, moisture, and chemical exposure
- Clean ladders regularly to remove grease, mud, and debris from rungs
- Lubricate moving parts (locks, pulleys) per manufacturer recommendations
Download the Free Checklist
Get our ladder inspection checklist in Word format. Customize it for your specific ladder types and workplace.
Download Checklist (.docx)Ecesis EHS Software
Inspections
Digital inspection forms with mobile completion, photo capture, and corrective actions.
Safety Inspections
Workplace safety inspections with automated scheduling and deficiency tracking.
Preventive Maintenance
Schedule periodic ladder inspections and track maintenance across your inventory.
Training
Track ladder safety training, competent person certifications, and refresher courses.
Compliance Calendar
Track inspection deadlines, recurring maintenance, and training due dates.
Task Management
Assign and track corrective actions from failed ladder inspections to completion.
