Ladder falls

Ladders are used by workers either as a means of access or as a workstation for short-term tasks (less than an hour).

On construction sites, ladders are used outdoors for erecting structures, finishing or renovating exterior walls or laying roofs. Ladders are also used indoors, as are stepladders, for plumbing, electricity or painting, for example.

In the commercial, transportation and storage and medical and social services sectors, ladders and stepladders are commonly used to wash windows, do maintenance work or handle goods.

Working at heights

The employer, by implementing safety measures, and the worker, by applying them, have a shared responsibility (in French only) to ensure safety when working at a height. Falling from a ladder is a hazard that can result in sprains, strains, multiple fractures and even death.

The best way to prevent falls is to work on the ground whenever possible. Otherwise, equipment used to elevate people, such as an elevating platform (in French only) or scaffolding (in French only), should be used to perform a task at a height.

Zero tolerance

If any of these rules are not followed, the CNESST will stop the work and those at fault will be liable to criminal prosecution.

Zero tolerance sheet: Ladder falls (in French only)

When a ladder is used as a means of access, it must:

1. Be placed on a firm base
2. Be climbed with free hands
3. Extend 900 mm (35 in) beyond the top storey
4. Be firmly fixed in place.

• S. 26(1), 26(5)(a) and (b) of the ROHS
• S. 3.5.6(a), 3.5.6(e) I and ii of the SCCI
• S. 30(3) of the ROHS
• S. 51(3) of the AOHS (reference to s. 10.4.2.2 of CSA Standard Z11-18)
   

When a ladder is used as a workstation:

• in accordance the order of the hierarchy of controls, fall protection must be used if the worker is at risk of falling more than 3 m
• it must be placed on a stable base
• the work method used must allow the worker to keep their body between the ladder uprights.
• S. 2.9.2 of the SCCI
• S. 33.2 of the ROHS
• S. 3.5.6(a) of the SCCI
• S. 26(1) of the ROHS
• S. 30(2) of the ROHS
• S. 51(3) of the AOHS (reference to s. 10.4.2.1 of CSA Standard Z11-18)

Other mandatory safety measures

Depending on the tasks to be performed, one or more of the following measures must be taken by the employer to ensure the safety of the worker:

• use scaffolding or equipment designed and built for lifting people when workers cannot safely perform their work on the ground or a solid base
   
  • s. 3.9.1 of the SCCI
  • s. 32 of the ROHS
     
• make sure the ladder or stepladder used complies with the regulations
   
  • s. 25 of the ROHS
  • ss. 3.5.3, 3.5.4 and 3.5.7 a) of the SCCI
     
• make sure the angle of incline of the ladder complies with the regulations
   
  • s. 26.4 of the ROHS
  • s. 3.5.6 d) of the SCCI
     
• inspect ladders and stepladders regularly for damage and defects and repair them
   
  • s. 51(5) of the AOHS
     
• train workers on the safe use of ladders and stepladders
   
  • s. s. 51(9) of the AOHS 

Protective measures

• Elevating platform
• Harness and fall arrest connecting device