Overview

Ladders and step stools are common in many workplaces. Using them incorrectly may create hazards for a worker. For example, incorrect use may:

  • affect balance, which increases the risk of a fall
  • contribute to a strain or awkward positions, which increase the risk of a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD)

Tasks that require a worker to use a ladder or step stool should be designed so:

  • a worker can maintain their balance
  • MSD hazards are eliminated or controlled

To ensure that the ladder or step stool is the appropriate equipment for the job, employers should perform a risk assessment that considers the potential hazards.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires employers to provide information, instruction and supervision to a worker to protect the health and safety of a worker. Where a ladder or step stool is used in the workplace, employers shall provide instructions on their safe use. Use this guide to complement risk assessments and the required instructions. This guidance document sets out ergonomics safe practices for using different types of ladders and step stools.

Ergonomic guidance

Consider the following ergonomics safe practices when using ladders and step stools. The guidance below, when followed, will prevent a worker from losing their balance while on a ladder or step stool. They are based on information from:

  • standards
  • manufacturer’s instructions
  • cases where workers have fallen from ladders

Refer to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations and the ladder or step stool manufacturer’s instructions for information about:

  • transportation of the ladder or step stool, including manual material handling
  • proper set-up and maintenance of the ladder or step stool
  • use of personal protective equipment (PPE) related to fall prevention

You can find more information in applicable ladder standards, such as Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Z11 – Portable Ladders.

Different types of ladders

Mobile ladder stands and mobile ladder platforms

Ladder on wheels with a platform on the top and a mechanical lift for raising and lowering objects at the front

Mobile Ladder Stand

Ladder on wheels with a step at the top

Mobile Ladder Platform

Ladder on wheels with a small platform at the top

Mobile Ladder Platform with Lift

Step, platform and trestle ladders

A step ladder

Step Ladder

A step ladder with a platform at the top

Platform Ladder

A ladder consisting of two sections, hinged at the top to form equal angles with the base, with rungs on both sections

Trestle Ladder

Sliding, fixed, extension and single ladders

A ladder that slides along a rail

Sliding Ladder

A ladder that is bolted onto a surface

Fixed Ladder

A ladder with two sliding pieces that can extend its length

Extension Ladder

A basic ladder

Single Ladder

Step stools

A 3-step step stool than can be folded
A step stool resembling two boxes arranged as a step

Mobile ladder stand and platform

A mobile ladder stand:

  • is a moveable ladder
  • is self-supporting
  • has a fixed height
  • has steps that give access to a top step that the worker can stand on

A mobile ladder platform:

  • is a moveable ladder
  • is self-supporting
  • has a fixed height
  • has steps that give access to a platform or platforms. The platform provides an adequate space for the worker to perform work

People in the workplace commonly call mobile ladder stands and ladder platforms rolling staircases.

Climbing up and down

When climbing up and down a mobile ladder stand or platform:

  • the worker should always use handrails. Sometimes the manufacturer requires this, for example, if the ladder has a grade over 50°
  • face the proper direction stated by the manufacturer. For example, if the ladder has a grade over 50°, the manufacturer may require that the worker face the ladder
  • carry objects with one hand and maintain a grasp on the handrail with the other hand, only if the manufacturer permits the worker to carry loads while using the ladder
  • do not carry a load that does not fit between the handrails. Large, awkward, unbalanced and heavy loads can affect the worker’s balance and view when climbing up or down

Working on ladders

When working on a mobile ladder stand or platform:

  • only use a mobile ladder stand for a short period of time
  • choose a mobile ladder platform for longer duration tasks
  • keep hands above mid-thigh
  • keep both feet on the ladder steps or platform
  • keep the ladder close to the work
  • make sure the worker can maintain balance, even if they were to let go of the ladder with their hands
  • be readily able to achieve three-point contact (i.e. three-limb contact, two feet and one hand in contact with the ladder) when working on mobile ladder stands

When working on a mobile ladder stand or platform, do not:

  • rise up on toes
  • turn sideways on the ladder steps
  • reach down the steps to pass or receive an object
  • perform forceful or jerky pushing and pulling movements
  • hold onto something other than the ladder to improve balance
  • perform extended overhead reaches as this can lead to body sway and balance loss
  • lean backwards while moving or placing objects (the size of an object should not interfere with the worker’s position on the ladder or platform)
  • overreach beyond the ladder guardrail or handrail (with noticeable forward bending and arms fully extended or bending sideways reaching out to the side)

Handling objects

If a worker needs to handle objects on a mobile ladder stand or platform, they should be aware that even lightweight objects can:

  • affect their balance and increase the risk of a fall
  • increase the risk of an musculoskeletal disorder (MSD)

When handling objects on a mobile ladder stand or platform, the objects:

  • must not affect the worker’s balance
  • must not interfere with the worker’s ability to use handrails or with their view as outlined in climbing up and down
  • must not exceed the weight capacity of the ladder when combined with the weight of the worker
  • should be:
    • less than 9 kg for males and 6 kg for females when using one hand
    • less than 18 kg for males and 10 kg for females when using two hands below shoulder
    • less than 14 kg for males and 7 kg for females when using two hands above shoulder

Weights are based on musculoskeletal disorder limits for infrequent lifting of objects, for example, one lift every 30 minutes. For more frequent lifting, acceptable lifting values may be lower. The employer should perform a risk assessment to determine acceptable object weights in these circumstances.

Access to other work surfaces

A worker should only access units with spring-loaded castors (no positive locking mechanism) from the ground.

A worker should not get on or off a mobile ladder stand or mobile ladder platform from any other elevated surface unless the unit is secured against movement and designed for that purpose (for example, removable mid and top rails are present).

Step, platform or trestle ladders

Step, platform and trestle ladders are:

  • self-supporting
  • portable
  • not adjustable in length

Step ladders have flat steps and a hinged back and platform ladders have a platform at the highest standing level. Trestle ladders have two sections that are hinged at the top to form equal angles with the base. This allows two workers to climb the ladder at the same time, one per side.

Climbing up and down

When climbing up and down a step, platform or trestle ladder:

  • face the ladder
  • do not have items in either hand
  • use both hands to climb up or down and maintain three-point contact (i.e. three-limb contact, two hands and one foot or one hand and two feet in contact with the ladder)

Working on ladders

When working on a step, platform or trestle ladder:

  • only use a ladder for a short period of time
  • always face the ladder
  • keep hands above mid-thigh
  • keep both feet on the ladder steps
  • keep the centre of the worker’s chest within the side rails of the ladder
  • stand no higher than the highest step indicated by the manufacturer
  • as a best practice, step no higher than the step which places the top of the ladder at approximately hip level of the worker (the length of the ladder chosen should be based on this practice)
  • be able to maintain balance, even if the worker was to let go of the ladder with their hands
  • consider tool belts and pouches for small objects and tools to avoid having them in the worker’s hands until needed
  • be readily able to achieve three-point contact (i.e. three-limb contact, two feet and one hand in contact with the ladder)
  • be aware of how the ladder is positioned with respect to any forces being exerted on or by the user of the ladder, as it does not take a lot of force to tip a ladder over sideways

When working on a step, platform or trestle ladder, do not:

  • rise up on toes
  • handle oversized loads
  • turn sideways on the ladder steps
  • perform forceful or jerky pushing and pulling movements
  • hold onto something other than the ladder to improve balance
  • perform extended overhead reaches as this can lead to body sway and balance loss
  • lean backwards (for example, when moving large objects or placing an object between the worker and the ladder)

Handling objects

If a worker needs to handle objects on a step, platform or trestle ladder, they should be aware that even lightweight objects can:

  • affect their balance and increase the risk of a fall
  • increase the risk of an musculoskeletal disorder (MSD)

When handling objects on a ladder, the objects:

  • must not affect the worker’s balance
  • must not be held in either hand when going up or down the ladder as outlined in climbing up and down
  • must not exceed the weight capacity of the ladder when combined with the weight of the worker
  • should be:
    • less than 9 kg for males and 6 kg for females when using one hand
    • less than 12 kg for males and 6 kg for females when using two hands

Weights are based on musculoskeletal disorder limits for infrequent lifting of objects, for example, one lift every 30 minutes. For more frequent lifting, acceptable lifting values may be lower. The employer should perform a risk assessment to determine acceptable object weights in these circumstances.

If the plan is to pass loads to and from a worker on a ladder, consider how high the worker will be on the ladder and the size of ladder being used. For example, passing loads when standing on the third step from the top of a 3.7 m (12ft) or longer step ladder will most likely result in the worker reaching below mid-thigh, and the floor level receiver handling a load at the extremes of reach. Reaching below mid-thigh places the worker in an unbalanced posture and presents a fall hazard, while handling loads at the extremes of reach increases the risk of an MSD for the worker on the floor.

Access to other work surfaces

Avoid using step, platform or trestle ladders to access elevated work surfaces. Other equipment is more suited for this task, for example, extension ladders or fixed access ladders.

Sliding, fixed, extension or single ladders

A sliding ladder:

  • is attached to a track on stationary object, such as a wall or a bookcase
  • can slide horizontally along the object to access different points

A fixed ladder:

  • is vertical
  • stays in a fixed in position
  • provides a way to access an elevated work surface

An extension ladder is:

  • portable
  • non-self-supporting
  • made up of two or more sections that travel in interlocking rails, guides, or brackets arranged to allow for length adjustment

A single ladder is:

  • portable
  • non-self-supporting
  • not adjustable in length and has only one section

Climbing up and down

When climbing up and down a sliding, fixed, extension or single ladder:

  • face the ladder
  • do not have items in either hand
  • use both hands to climb up or down and maintain three-point contact (i.e. three-limb contact, two hands and one foot or one hand and two feet in contact with the ladder)
  • avoid placing loads on the shoulder as this can affect balance (consider other measures to deliver loads to the working height)
  • have the worker take their time when climbing up and down (speed of climbing up and down can affect balance and lead to ladder movement at the base of the ladder)

Working on ladders

When working on sliding, fixed, extension or single ladders:

  • only use a ladder for a short period of time
  • always face the ladder
  • keep hands above mid-thigh
  • keep both feet on the ladder with toes pointed forward
  • keep the centre of the worker’s chest within the side rails of the ladder
  • stand no higher than the highest step indicated by the manufacturer
  • use only one hand to receive goods and maintain three-point contact (i.e. three-limb contact, two feet and one hand in contact with the ladder)
  • consider tool belts and pouches for small objects and tools to avoid having them in the worker’s hands until needed
  • for extension and single ladders, be able to maintain balance, even if the worker was to let go of the ladder with their hands
  • for extension and single ladders, be readily able to achieve three-point contact (i.e. three-limb contact, two feet and one hand in contact with the ladder)
  • for sliding and fixed ladders, maintain three-point contact (i.e. three-limb contact, two feet and one hand in contact with the ladder)

When working on a sliding, fixed, extension or single ladder, do not:

  • rise up on toes
  • turn to work or reach down the ladder to receive an item
  • perform forceful or jerky pushing and pulling movements
  • hold onto something other than the ladder to improve balance
  • perform extended overhead reaches as this can lead to body sway and balance loss
  • lean backwards (for example, when moving large objects or placing an object between the worker and the ladder)

Handling objects

If a worker needs to handle objects on a sliding, fixed, extension or single ladder, they should be aware that even lightweight objects can:

  • affect their balance and increase the risk of a fall
  • increase the risk of a musculoskeletal disorders (MSD)

When handling objects on a ladder, the objects:

  • must not affect the worker’s balance
  • must not be held in either hand when going up or down the ladder as outlined in climbing up and down
  • must not be handled with two hands when standing on a ladder in order to maintain three-point contact (i.e. three-limb contact, two feet and one hand in contact with the ladder)
  • must only be lifted with one hand and should be less than 9 kg for males and 6 kg for females
  • must not exceed the weight capacity of the ladder when combined with the weight of the worker

Weights are based on musculoskeletal disorder limits for infrequent lifting of objects. For more frequent lifting, acceptable lifting values may be lower. The employer should perform a risk assessment to determine acceptable object weights in these circumstances.

Access to other work surfaces

Follow the sliding, fixed, extension or single ladder manufacturer’s instructions and applicable regulations if workers plan to use the ladder to access another work surface.

Step stools

A step stool is:

  • self-supporting
  • portable, fixed or foldable
  • not adjustable in length
  • 800 mm (32) or less in height, excluding side rails, if any, above the top cap

A step stool has:

  • flat steps, but no pail shelf
  • a ladder top cap that the worker can stand on

Climbing up and down

When climbing up and down a step stool:

  • face the step stool
  • take one step at a time
  • do not access the step stool from the side
  • only carry objects that do not:
    • affect the worker’s balance
    • block the worker’s field of view
    • impair the worker’s ability to climb up or down

Working on step stools

When working on a step stool:

  • only use it for a short period of time
  • keep hands above mid-thigh
  • keep both feet on the step stool
  • be able to maintain balance without holding onto something
  • keep centered on the standing surface of the step stool (leaning in any direction can affect the worker’s balance)

When working on a step stool, do not:

  • rise up on toes
  • perform forceful or jerky pushing and pulling movements
  • perform extended overhead reaches as this can lead to body sway and balance loss
  • lean backwards while moving objects (the size of an object should not interfere with the worker’s position on the stool)
  • use household grade step stools in a workplace as the weight capacity of the step stool may not be appropriate for tasks performed

Handling objects

If a worker needs to handle objects on a step stool, they should be aware that even lightweight objects can:

  • affect their balance and increase the risk of a fall
  • increase the risk of a musculoskeletal disorders (MSD)

When handling objects on a step stool, the objects:

  • must not interfere with the worker’s ability to climb up or down the step stool as outlined in climbing up and down
  • must not exceed the weight capacity of the step stool when combined with the weight of the worker
  • should be
    • less than 9 kg for males and 6 kg for females when using one hand
    • less than 18 kg for males and 10 kg for females when using two hands below shoulder
    • less than 14 kg for males and 7 kg for females when using two hands above shoulder

Weights are based on musculoskeletal disorder limits for infrequent lifting of objects, for example, one lift every 30 minutes. For more frequent lifting, acceptable lifting values may be lower. The employer should perform a risk assessment to determine acceptable object weights in these circumstances.

Access to other work surfaces

Avoid using step stools to access elevated work surfaces. Other equipment designed for that use is more suited for this task. For example, steps that are secured in place or mobile ladder stands or platforms.

If the worker uses step stools, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable regulations.

Contact us

For more information about safety requirements, please contact the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development Health & Safety Contact Centre at:

This resource does not replace the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations and should not be used as or considered legal advice. Health and safety inspectors apply the law based on the facts in the workplace.

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