Ladder Safety for Home Inspectors

Protecting yourself and your livelihood

by Fritz Gunther November 4, 2024

Ladder safety is, or should be, a critical concern for home inspectors, given the nature of our work.

Inspections often require access to roofs, attics, and other elevated or sunken areas, making ladders an essential tool. However, ladders are also a significant source of workplace injuries, with alarming statistics to consider.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 161 fatal work injuries where ladders were the primary source in 2020. Additionally, 22,710 nonfatal ladder injuries resulted in at least one day away from work. This is a sobering reminder of the dangers involved in professions like ours, where ladders are indispensable. Given these statistics, it’s clear that ladder safety must be a priority for all of us in the home inspection field.

Many years ago, I lived next to a gentleman who was tragically injured after falling from a ladder while trimming a tree in his yard. The fall resulted in serious injuries that left him paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair for the remainder of his life. Shockingly, the fall was from a height of only about five feet, underscoring that ladders can be dangerous at any height. Although his accident happened years before I knew him, his story has stuck with me and continues to serve as a stark reminder of how quickly accidents can occur. To this day, I always think of him when using a ladder during my inspections.

In my experience, most accidents result from two key factors—inexperience and overconfidence. By staying informed and avoiding the complacency that can come with repetition, you can minimize your risks, including those related to ladder safety. While my neighbor’s terrible fall cannot be undone, here are some essential dos and don’ts to help you stay safe when using ladders during your inspections:

Dos of Ladder Safety

1. Get proper training.

Before using a ladder, ensure you have received proper training. Employers are required to provide training conducted by a competent person. However, as a home inspector, you may not have the resources of a large corporation to access formal training. Searching online for training videos may prove beneficial, and OSHA provides safety literature as well.

Training should cover topics such as recognizing ladder hazards, understanding fall protection systems, proper ladder use and placement, and knowing the maximum load-carrying capacities. Even as an experienced inspector, a basic training video and regular refresher courses on ladder safety can prevent complacency.

2. Select the right ladder for the job.

Choosing the correct ladder is crucial. Different ladders have different weight limits. Consider the weight of both you and any tools or materials you’ll be carrying, and verify the ladder’s weight capacity. Ensure the ladder extends far enough to reach the work area without requiring you to overextend. If there’s any chance of encountering electrical hazards, opt
for a non-conductive ladder, such as one made
of fiberglass.

3. Inspect the ladder before each use.

Always inspect your ladder before use. Look for any visible defects, such as cracks, dents, or missing parts. Damaged ladders should be removed from service immediately and marked so they are not used until repaired or replaced. Regular inspections by a competent person can also catch issues that might not be immediately obvious.

4. Maintain three points of contact.

When climbing up or down a ladder, always maintain three points of contact, two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand. This reduces the risk of losing your balance. Use a tool belt or haul tools up with a rope to keep your hands free for climbing. Wearing non-slip shoes is also essential to prevent slips.

5. Ensure proper ladder setup.

Set up your ladder correctly to avoid accidents. When using a ladder to access another level, it should extend at least three feet above the landing surface. Place the ladder on a dry, stable, level surface, and secure it at the base and top whenever possible. For extension ladders, ensure the rungs are locked into place; for stepladders, make sure the spreaders are fully extended.

6. Set ladders at the correct angle.

For non-self-supporting ladders, use the 4:1 ratio rule: For every four feet of ladder height, place the base one foot away from the wall. An easy way to check the angle is to stand with your toes at the base of the ladder and extend your arms forward. Your palms should touch the ladder rung at shoulder height.

7. Avoid slippery surfaces.

Always ensure the ladder is not placed on a slippery surface, such as ice, water, tiles, or stamped concrete. These surfaces can cause the ladder to slide out from under you, leading to a fall. If you must use a ladder on a potentially slippery surface, take extra precautions, such as clearing the area, using non-slip mats, or finding an alternative placement for the ladder.

Don’ts of Ladder Safety

1. Don’t stand on the top rung.

Avoid standing on the top step or rung of a ladder unless the label indicates it is safe. Generally, the fourth rung from the top is the highest safe point to stand on. Standing higher increases the risk of losing balance.

2. Don’t lean or overreach.

Keep your body centered between the ladder’s side rails. Leaning or overreaching can cause the ladder to tip, leading to falls. If you can’t reach the area safely, climb down and reposition the ladder. The few minutes this takes could save you days, weeks, or a lifetime of recovering from an injury.

3. Don’t move the ladder while on it.

Never attempt to move or reposition a ladder while standing on it. This practice is highly dangerous and can easily lead to a fall. Always descend the ladder completely before moving it.

4. Don’t use ladders on uneven surfaces.

Ensure the ladder is on a stable, level surface. Never place a ladder on an uneven surface or use it on top of other objects to gain extra height. If the ladder isn’t tall enough, use a taller ladder or another safe method to reach the area.

5. Don’t tie ladders together.

Do not tie or attach multiple ladders to create a longer one unless they are designed for that purpose. Improvised extensions are unstable and can lead to serious accidents.

6. Don’t face away from the ladder.

Always face the ladder when climbing up
or down or when performing tasks.
This allows you to maintain three points
of contact and stay balanced.

By adhering to these ladder safety guidelines and being aware of the risks, you can significantly reduce the chances of injury or death. Remember, ladder safety is not just a recommendation; it’s a critical practice that can save your life. While I strive to access every attic and roof during home inspections, there have been times when ladder conditions were simply too unsafe. In these instances, I document the unsafe conditions in the inspection report, specify the areas I was unable to access, and recommend that a qualified contractor evaluate those areas. Always stay vigilant, prioritize ladder safety, and remain aware so you can continue to work safely and make it to the next inspection.


Opinions or statements of authors are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the opinions or positions of ASHI, its agents, or editors. Always check with your local governmental agency and independently verify for accuracy, completeness, and reliability.


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