Ladders and step stools

Section 1 of 4Understand the risk

The linen is out of reach. Use a chair—or change the plan? Stock retrieval, decorations, and maintenance need suitable access equipment.

4:1 ratioStraight or extension ladder setup guidance

OSHA guidance places a leaning ladder’s base about one-quarter of its working length from the support. Working length runs along the ladder to the top support. This is not a setup rule for stepladders or step stools.

If the equipment or setup is wrong, I will change the plan before leaving the floor.

Section 2 of 4Notice warning signs

Loose feet, cracked steps, slippery rungs or unlocked spreaders can cause falls. Doors, guests, carts and mat edges can disturb ladders. Overreach, overload and electricity can make the task unsuitable.

Federal requirement: Inspect before first use each shift and as needed; remove defective ladders. Never stand on stepladder caps or top steps, move occupied ladders or carry unbalancing loads.

Holding a defective ladder does not fix it; obtain sound equipment.

Section 3 of 4Choose a safer next step

• Read equipment markings and combined load ratings. Use only intended standing surfaces; never substitute chairs or boxes.
• Inspect equipment and floor. Open stepladders fully and engage locks; separate traffic without blocking exits.
• Face the ladder, use three-point climbing contact, and stay centered. Descend before repositioning; replan bulky materials handling.

Safety boundary: Stay on the floor during this activity. This session does not qualify workers for roof access, electrical work, ladder repair or fall-protection tasks.

Section 4 of 4Practice the decision

Scenario: Linen sits above a service doorway. The stepladder has a loose foot. A colleague offers to hold it while guests continue through the door.

Practice activity (4 min)

1. Think 30 secIdentify the risk.
2. Discuss 90 secAgree a safer plan.
3. Compare 1 minCheck your plan below.
4. Commit 1 minChoose your next-shift action.

Learner check

Sources

• OSHA ladder safety guidance
• OSHA ladder rule

Bonus resources

Free outside material to go deeper. These open on the publisher's site.

• Falling Off Ladders Can Kill: Use Them SafelyOSHA · Illustrated PDF booklet
• Ladder SafetyNIOSH (CDC) · Web page (tips + free app link)