Reducing Falls in Construction: 

Safe Use of Stepladders

Workers who use ladders in construction risk permanent injury or death from falls 

and electrocutions. These hazards can be eliminated or substantially reduced by 

following good safety practices. This fact sheet examines some of the hazards 

workers may encounter while working on stepladders and explains what employers 

and workers can do to reduce injuries. OSHA’s requirements for stepladders are in 

Subpart X—Stairways and Ladders of OSHA’s Construction standards.

What is a Stepladder?

A stepladder is a portable, self-supporting, 

A-frame ladder. It has two front side rails and two 

rear side rails. Generally, there are steps mounted 

between the front side rails and bracing between 

the rear side rails. (See Figure 1, below.)

Figure 1: Stepladder

PLAN Ahead to Get the Job Done Safely.

A competent person must visually inspect 

stepladders for visible defects on a periodic basis 

and after any occurrence that could affect their 

safe use. Defects include, but are not limited to:

• Structural damage, split/bent side rails, 

broken or missing rungs/steps/cleats and 

missing or damaged safety devices.

• Grease, dirt or other contaminants that could 

cause slips or falls.

• Paint or stickers (except warning or safety 

labels) that could hide possible defects.

PROVIDE the Right Stepladder for the 

Job with the Proper Load Capacity.

• Use a ladder that can sustain at least four 

times the maximum intended load, except 

that each extra-heavy duty type 1A metal or 

plastic ladder shall sustain at least 3.3 times 

the maximum intended load. Also acceptable 

are ladders that meet the requirements set 

forth in Appendix A of Subpart X. Follow 

the manufacturer’s instructions and labels 

on the ladder. To determine the correct 

ladder, consider your weight plus the weight 

of your load. Do not exceed the load rating 

and always include the weight of all tools, 

materials and equipment.

Type Duty Rating Use Load

1AA Special Duty Rugged 375 lbs.

1A Extra Heavy Duty Industrial 300 lbs.

1 Heavy Duty Industrial 250 lbs.

II Medium Duty Commercial 225 lbs.

III Light Duty Household 200 lbs.

Source for Types IA, I, II, III: Subpart X—Stairways and 

Ladders, Appendix A (American National Standards Institute 

(ANSI) 14.1, 14.2, 14.5 (1982)) of OSHA’s Construction 

standards. Source for Type IAA: ANSI 14.1, 14.2, 14.5 (2009), 

which are non-mandatory guidelines.

FactSheet
TRAIN Workers to Use 

Stepladders Safely.

Employers must train each worker to recognize 

and minimize ladder-related hazards.

Common Stepladder Hazards

• Damaged stepladder

• Ladders on slippery or unstable surface

• Unlocked ladder spreaders

• Standing on the top step or top cap

• Loading ladder beyond rated load

• Ladders in high-traffic location

• Reaching outside ladder side rails

• Ladders in close proximity to electrical 

wiring/equipment

Safe Stepladder Use—DO:

Read and follow all the manufacturer’s 

instructions and labels on the ladder.

• Look for overhead power lines before handling 

or climbing a ladder.

• Maintain a 3-point contact (two hands and a 

foot, or two feet and a hand) when climbing/

descending a ladder.

• Stay near the middle of the ladder and face the 

ladder while climbing up/down.

• Use a barricade to keep traffic away from 

the ladder.

• Keep ladders free of any slippery materials.

• Only put ladders on a stable and level surface 

that is not slippery.

Safe Stepladder Use—DO NOT:

• Use ladders for a purpose other than that for 

which they were designed. For example, do not 

use a folded stepladder as a single ladder.

• Use a stepladder with spreaders unlocked.

• Use the top step or cap as a step.

• Place a ladder on boxes, barrels or other 

unstable bases.

• Move or shift a ladder with a person or 

equipment on the ladder.

• Use cross bracing on the rear of stepladders 

for climbing.

• Paint a ladder with opaque coatings.

• Use a damaged ladder.

• Leave tools/materials/equipment on stepladder.

• Use a stepladder horizontally like a platform.

• Use a metal stepladder near power lines or 

electrical equipment.

How to Contact OSHA

Under the Occupational Safety and Health 

Act of 1970, employers are responsible for 

providing safe and healthful workplaces for their 

employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these 

conditions for America’s workers by setting and 

enforcing standards, and providing training, 

education, and assistance. For more information, 

visit www.osha.gov or call OSHA at 1-800-321-

OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627.

Additional Resources

OSHA standard: 29 CFR 1926 Subpart X—

Stairways and Ladders 

American National Standards Institute standard: 

ANSI A14.1, A14.2, A14.5—Ladder Safety Requirements

(Not an OSHA standard, included to be used as 

guidance to meet OSHA’s requirements)

Employers using stepladders must follow the ladder 

requirements set forth in 29 CFR 1926 Subpart X. 

Per Appendix A to Subpart X of Part 1926—Ladders, 

ladders designed in accordance with the following 

ANSI standards will be considered in accordance 

with 29 CFR 1926.1053(a)(1): ANSI A14.1-1982—

American National Standard for Ladders-Portable 

Wood-Safety Requirements, ANSI A14.2-1982—

American National Standard for Ladders—Portable 

Metal—Safety Requirements, and ANSI A14.5-

1982—American National Standard for Ladders—

Portable Reinforced Plastic—Safety Requirements.

State plan guidance: States with OSHA-approved 

state plans may have additional requirements for 

avoiding falls from ladders. For more information 

on these requirements, please visit: www.osha.gov/

dcsp/osp/statesstandards.html.

Most OSHA offices have compliance assistance specialists to help employers and workers comply with 

OSHA standards. For details call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) or visit: www.osha.gov/contactus/bystate.

DOC FS-3662 05/2013

This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or 

standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of 

compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal 

Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon request. 

The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.

PLAN. PROVIDE. TRAIN.

Three simple steps to prevent falls.