Matt Willingham, CSP, Corporate Safety Director -- We use lots of ladders at Tarlton! We've got somewhere around 50 of them in our "fleet," and using them properly means using them safely.  

Following these rules will help you stay safe when using a ladder.

- Always inspect the ladder before use.

- Set extension ladders at a 4-to-1 ratio. For every four feet of length, the base of the ladder must be one foot out from the wall to ensure a safe 75-degree angle.

- Always secure an extension ladder at the top and/or bottom.

- Always maintain three points of contact on any ladder. That means two hands and one foot OR one hand and two feet on the ladder at all times.

- Always fully extend a stepladder and secure the locking members.

- Never use a closed ladder leaning against a wall or other surface.

- Step ladders are frequently misused. You should never step on the top two steps of a step ladder.

- Always ensure you maintain stability by following the belt buckle rule: Keep your belt buckle positioned in the center of the ladder, not off to the side of either vertical support.