How should ladders be used safely?

• A. Climb with one hand for speed.
• B. Place on unstable surfaces.
• C. Maintain three points of contact, inspect before use, keep feet on the rungs, and place on stable surfaces.
• D. Skip inspections.

Answer: (C)

Safe ladder use starts with preparation and controlled technique. Maintaining three points of contact provides a stable grip and footing, helping prevent slips as you climb or descend. Inspecting the ladder before use catches damage or wear—like cracks, bent rails, or loose feet—that could fail under load. Keeping your feet on the rungs gives secure footing and better control, while placing the ladder on a stable, level surface prevents wobble or tipping. Together, these practices address setup, stability, and proper climbing technique to reduce fall risk. Climbing with one hand, placing the ladder on an unstable surface, or skipping inspections all increase the chance of loss of balance or ladder failure and are unsafe.