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OSHA ladder inspection checklist

OSHA ladder inspection checklist

Ensure ladder safety and compliance with our detailed OSHA inspection checklist. Identify hazards, implement controls, and maintain high standards.

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OSHA ladder inspection checklist

Ensure ladder safety and compliance with our detailed OSHA inspection checklist. Identify hazards, implement controls, and maintain high standards.

Use this template with Lumiform

The Lumiform application helps frontline teams uphold internal standards effortlessly.
  • Customize this template or build your own
  • Fill out templates via mobile app
  • Assign and track corrective actions
  • Get reports and analyse your data
Prices start from ░░░ per month
Book a demo
Learn more
or Download template as PDF

This OSHA ladder inspection checklist helps you systematically evaluate ladders before each work shift, identifying potential hazards that could cause employee injuries. You can document critical inspection points like structural integrity, proper functioning of moving parts, and stability features—all in compliance with OSHA standards 1910.23 and 1926.1053.

When a safety inspector at a construction site discovered a damaged rung during a routine inspection using this template, they immediately tagged the ladder out of service, potentially preventing a serious workplace accident. According to OSHA, falls from ladders account for 20 percent of all fatal and lost work-day injuries in general industry, making proper inspection crucial for workplace safety.

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Preview of the template
Audit
To prevent falls from ladders, make sure you have the following controls in place: Only use ladders that are in good condition and designed to handle the job that needs to be done. Train employees on proper ladder use. Make proper ladder use a performance requirement for the job. Require employees to complete a ladder inspection before each use.
Criteria for Ladder Purchase and Care
Check regulatory standards for the type of ladder you are using.
Use only approved ladders.
Protect wood ladders with a clear sealer, such as varnish, shellac, linseed oil or wood preservative because paint can hide defects.
Ladder Usage
Be sure step ladders are fully open and locked before climbing them.
Place ladder on a flat, secure surface.
Place ladder on a hard surface as it will sink into a soft surface.
Place ladder on non-movable base.
Lean ladder against a secure surface, not boxes or barrels.
Do not place ladder in front of a door.
Position base of ladder one foot away for every four feet of height to where it rests (1:4 ratio).
Ladder rails should extend at least three feet above top landing.
Check shoes to ensure they are free of grease or mud.
Mount the ladder from the center, not from the side.
Face ladder when ascending or descending, and hold on with both hands.
Carry tools in pockets, in a bag attached to a belt, or raise and lowered via a rope.
Don’t climb higher than the third rung from the top.
Work facing the ladder.
Do not overreach, always keep your torso between the ladder rails.
When using a ladder for high places, securely latch or fasten the ladder to prevent slipping.
Avoid outdoor ladder use on windy days.
Avoid aluminum ladders if work must be done around electrical wires or power lines.
Recommendations
List recommendations here
Completion
Full Name and Signature of Inspector
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Frequently asked questions

What should I look for when inspecting a portable ladder?

When inspecting portable ladders, check for structural defects like cracks or dents in side rails, loose or missing rungs/steps, proper functioning of locking mechanisms, damaged non-slip feet, and any signs of corrosion or deterioration. Also ensure the ladder is clean and free from slippery materials like grease or oil.

What documentation should I maintain after completing ladder inspections?

After completing inspections, maintain records showing the date of inspection, the specific ladder identified (using serial numbers or company ID tags), inspection results, any defects found, corrective actions taken, and the inspector’s name. These records demonstrate compliance and create a maintenance history for each ladder.

How do I properly tag a defective ladder to prevent use?

When you find a defective ladder, immediately remove it from service by attaching a clearly visible tag stating “Dangerous, Do Not Use” or similar warning language. Secure the tag on the climbing surface where anyone attempting to use the ladder will see it. Then store the defective ladder in a designated area away from functional equipment until repairs or disposal is in place.

What role does technology play in enhancing your organization’s ladder inspection process?

What actions should I take if I find a damaged ladder during inspection? If you find a damaged ladder, immediately remove it from service, attach a “Do Not Use” tag, and move it to a designated area for damaged equipment. Document the specific defects in your inspection record. Then evaluate whether the ladder can be repaired according to manufacturer specifications or must be replaced.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.