Ladder and Roof Safety: Don't Fall on the Job
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Falls are the leading cause of worker deaths in construction. Each year, more than 200 construction workers are killed in the U.S. and over 10,000 are seriously injured by falls.
- PLAN ahead to get the job done safely.
- PROVIDE the right equipment.
- TRAIN everyone to use the equipment safely.
Stay Safe While Climbing Ladders
- Pick the right size ladder for the job.
- Use cones to make a protective work area.
- Lock the ladder into place at the bottom.
- Extend the ladder 3’ above the upper landing surface.
- Secure the ladder at the top.
- Face the ladder with your body in the middle when climbing up/down.
- Keep three points of contact with the ladder when climbing up/down.
- Don’t use a ladder with broken, loose steps or rungs or damaged parts.
- Move the base of the ladder 1’ back from the building for every 4’ of height.
- Avoid carrying any materials up or down the ladder.
- Check the weather and avoid using ladder during wet or icy conditions.
Roofers Should Always Use a Personal Fall Arrest System
Personal fall arrest systems protect roofers from injury and death by limiting the distance that people can fall. Your employer must provide you with a personal fall arrest system that meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z359) requirements. Personal fall arrest systems include a full body harness and connectors and lanyards to limit fall distance that are tied to a fixed anchor. Your employer is also required to train you on how to use this equipment.
More Information
View the Roofing Work Can be Deadly fact sheet that provides roofers with information about personal fall arrest systems and 7 Steps to Ladder Safety. Download the Ladder Safety app for free at Apple Store and Google Play (available in English and Spanish). Get more information about preventing falls from OSHA, NIOSH, and National Campaign to Prevent Falls in Construction.
