Ladder Safety Compliance Guide

#12 Code Violation: Ladder Safety Failures

15,000+ citations • $1,000–$14,000 fine (2025)

Shop Ladder Safety Kit →

Why Ladder Safety Is the #12 Code Violation

Falls from ladders cause 20% of all construction fatalities. OSHA issued 15,000+ citations in 2023 — repeat violations lead to $14K per ladder.

Top Triggers:

  • Wrong ladder type (Type II in heavy use)
  • No 4:1 angle or 3 ft extension
  • Standing on top 2 rungs
  • Damaged ladder not tagged out

2025 Fines (OSHA 1926.1053)  

Type Fine
Serious (improper use) $1,000–$7,000
Willful (damaged in use) $14,000 + criminal

Source: OSHA 1926.1053

OSHA Must-Haves

Required

  • Type IA (300 lb) for heavy work
  • 4:1 angle + 3 ft above landing
  • Weekly inspection log
  • Damaged ladders red-tagged

Avoid

  • Metal near live power
  • Overreaching
  • No “LADDER INSPECTED” log

✅ Free Ladder Safety Compliance Checklist Downloaded!

Used by 1,200+ contractors — avoid $14K fines

📄 Download Ladder Checklist (PDF)

View Full Ladder Safety Collection →

By CGAP Industries | Updated: October 29, 2025

OSHA 1926.1053

Why Safety Signs Matter More Than You Think: Simple Fixes That Prevent Big Problems

  • Blog post

    Give your customers a summary of your blog post

    Blog post

    Give your customers a summary of your blog post

  • Blog post

    Give your customers a summary of your blog post

    Blog post

    Give your customers a summary of your blog post

  • Blog post

    Give your customers a summary of your blog post

    Blog post

    Give your customers a summary of your blog post

1 3

Ladder Safety Starts on the Wall – Not Just on the Rungs

  • Ladder Safety Starts on the Wall: Posting What Workers Actually Need to See - CGAP Industries

    Ladder Safety Starts on the Wall: Posting What ...

    Joseph Pannell

    Falls from ladders are one of those “we know better” hazards that still send workers to the hospital every year. Most crews understand the basics—don’t stand on the top step,...

    Ladder Safety Starts on the Wall: Posting What ...

    Joseph Pannell

    Falls from ladders are one of those “we know better” hazards that still send workers to the hospital every year. Most crews understand the basics—don’t stand on the top step,...

1 3