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Step Ladder Safety

A step ladder stands on its own, which makes it easy to trust too much. Most problems come from using it in the wrong spot, the wrong way or at the wrong height.

Why do step ladder falls happen?

People tend to use a step ladder as a quick fix: a light bulb, a shelf, a vent. Because it is quick, the setup gets skipped. The ladder is not fully open, it sits on a slope, or the climber reaches sideways from the top.

On farms, floors are often concrete with slick patches, or dirt with soft spots. Step ladders do not tolerate either well.

A short ladder gives a false sense of security because the fall looks small. Short falls still cause injuries, especially onto concrete or equipment.

How should you set one up?

Open it fully so any spreaders are locked in place. Put it on firm, level footing with all feet making solid contact. Keep it away from doorways, traffic lanes and equipment that could bump it.

Never use a step ladder closed and leaned against a wall. It is built to stand open, and leaning it can cause it to slide. If you need a leaning ladder, use one designed for that.

If the floor is uneven, fix the floor or use a different tool. Do not pack scrap under a foot to level the ladder.

Where should you stand?

The manufacturer label tells you which steps are meant to be used and which are not. The top step or cap is often marked as not a step. Read your label rather than relying on habit.

Choose a ladder tall enough that you can work without stretching or standing at the limit. If you need to reach farther, move the ladder instead of leaning.

Face the steps when climbing, and avoid twisting at the top. If the job needs your body turned, come down and reposition.

• Keep your body between the side rails.
• Do not stand on the top cap or the back of the ladder unless the label says it is allowed.
• Move the ladder rather than reaching sideways.

What are the hazards on farm floors?

Wet floors from washdown, manure, feed dust, oil and ice are common. A step ladder on a slick surface can slide out in an instant. Clean the area first or choose a ladder with feet suited to the surface.

Keep the work area free of hoses, cords and tools. If someone could walk into the ladder, put up a barrier or a helper.

Take a minute to sweep and dry the spot. A clean patch of floor is the cheapest safety device you own.

• Dry, clean floor before setup.
• Barriers or a helper if people pass nearby.

How do you carry tools and materials?

Carrying things in your hands while climbing is a common cause of falls. Use a tool belt, a pouch or a bucket on a hoist line. Many step ladders have a tray, which is for placing tools while you stand on the ground or at a safe working step, not for overloading.

Pass heavy items up with a helper or use a lift. Avoid carrying items that block your view of your feet.

If you must hold the ladder while another person climbs, that is a sign the setup is wrong, since a step ladder should be stable by itself.

• Keep a pouch or belt for small items.
• Use a helper or hoist for heavy ones.

Who should not use a step ladder?

Anyone who feels unsteady, tired or unwell should skip it. People taking medication that affects balance should ask a health professional. Younger family members should only do tasks that match their age and training, and the U.S. Department of Labor is where you confirm youth work rules.

If the job needs both hands on a tool that pushes or pulls hard, use a stable platform rather than a step ladder.

Watch for children and animals near the work. Block off the spot so no one runs under or into the ladder.

• Rest if tired.
• Check your health professional about balance concerns.

How do you store and maintain it?

Close it, clean it and store it off the floor in a dry place. Inspect hinges, spreaders, feet and rungs on a regular schedule and before each use. Remove damaged ladders from service and tag them.

Avoid painting a ladder in a way that hides cracks, and avoid leaving it in sun or chemical vapors for long periods.

Do not store heavy items on a stored step ladder, which can bend spreaders and hinges.

• Hinge and spreader condition.
• Feet and tread wear.
• Label legibility.

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