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Extension Ladder Safety

An extension ladder is a long, flexible tool that leans on something else. That is why setup, footing and the top contact point deserve more attention than they usually get.

What makes extension ladders different?

An extension ladder is not freestanding. It depends on the ground at the bottom, the surface at the top and the way the two sections lock together. Any of those can fail, and the farther the ladder reaches, the more a small error grows.

They are also heavy and awkward. Carrying and raising one is a common moment for injury, especially in wind or around overhead lines.

Because it reaches high, a fall from an extension ladder tends to be more severe, and that is reason enough to treat setup as a real task, not a formality.

What should you check before raising it?

Look at the area first. Look up for power lines and for branches or edges that could catch the ladder. Look at the ground for slope, softness, ice or loose material. Look at the wall or roof edge where the top will rest, and ask whether it can carry the load.

Then look at the ladder: locks, rope, pulley, rung condition, feet and labels. If any part is damaged, use a different ladder or a different method.

Check the building edge or the roof as well: weak fascia, loose sheet metal and rotten wood can fail under a ladder's top.

• Overhead electrical lines: stay well clear and call the utility if work is near them.
• Ground: firm, level enough for the feet to sit properly, free of slick residue.
• Top contact: solid, stable surface, not a gutter, window or loose panel.
• Weather: do not set up in high wind, lightning or icy conditions.

How is the correct angle and extension found?

The manufacturer label gives the setup method for that ladder, including how it should lean and how far it should extend beyond the point where you step off. OSHA also publishes requirements and guidance on this.

I am leaving out numbers and rules of thumb on purpose. Different ladder types and standards use different values, and an error of a few degrees matters. Read the label on your ladder and confirm requirements with OSHA.

If the ground slopes too much for the manufacturer's setup, use another approach, such as a lift, rather than building up the low side.

How do you raise and lower it safely?

Two people make the job much safer. Keep the ladder under control throughout, and watch where the top is moving. Never raise a ladder toward overhead wires, even if you think there is enough room.

Lock the sections fully before climbing. Do not adjust the length while someone is on it. When lowering, retract slowly and keep fingers away from moving parts.

Think through where the ladder will go before you pick it up, including doorways, equipment and people who may walk into the area.

• Plan the route before lifting.
• Keep the ladder under control throughout.
• Do not move a ladder while someone stands on it.

What are safe habits while climbing?

Face the ladder and keep your weight centered. Keep your hands free to grip. Do not carry tools or materials in your hands. Use a belt, a bucket on a line or a helper.

Do not stand on the top rungs, and do not step from the ladder to a roof or another structure unless the setup was designed for that. Tie-off or stabilizer options exist for some jobs, so ask the manufacturer or a qualified safety trainer what suits your task.

For long or repeated tasks, ask a qualified trainer about stabilizers, levelers or a platform designed for the job.

What about electricity near a ladder?

Contact between a ladder and an electrical line can be deadly. Many extension ladders are long enough to reach lines near sheds, bins and yard lights. Treat anything overhead as live, and keep the ladder and yourself far from it.

If you must work near lines, contact your utility to find out what can be done, such as shutoffs or protective covers. If someone is injured by contact, call 911 and do not touch the person or the ladder until power is confirmed off.

What does good practice look like in a farm routine?

Assign the ladder to people who have been trained. Keep a clean storage spot and a tag for damaged units. Review the plan before working near a building edge, and decide in advance when to switch to a lift or platform.

Short, regular refreshers keep these habits alive. Invite a recognized trainer to your farm if possible.

Add ladder setup to your seasonal checklist so it is revisited before the busy months, not during them.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.