Is it an OSHA Violation to Lean a Step Ladder Against a Wall?

Who Is OSHA?

• The Occupational Safety and Health Act was passed in 1970, creating OSHA. The intention of the act was to provide rules and regulations to help prevent workers from being seriously injured or killed because of unsafe conditions in the workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is responsible for ensuring that the laws and guidelines set forth in the act are adhered to in all applicable workplaces.

Leaning Ladders

• Ladders fall into two basic categories -- self-supporting and non-self-supporting. A step-ladder is a self-supporting ladder. The agency does provide rules for using a non-self-supporting ladder leaning against a wall or building. A non-self-supporting ladder must be kept at an angle where the foot of the ladder is at least one-fourth of the length of the ladder away from the wall. There are no specific rules or guidelines for leaning a step-ladder against a building.

Additional Rules for Step-Ladders

• If you are using a step-ladder, do not use the top, or final step, on the ladder as an actual step. It is also a violation to use the metal cross-bracing found on the back of the ladder to step or climb on. If, however, the ladder has actual steps on both sides then you may use both sides to climb or step on. A locking device -- typically a metal spreader -- must be used to keep the ladder open and in place when being used. All portable ladders must be capable of supporting four times the load you intend to carry up the ladder.

OSHA Violations

• If you feel that your workplace is violating OSHA rules and regulations, you may file a complaint online, by mail or via telephone. You have the option to remain anonymous when you file your complaint; however, it can often be difficult to investigate a complaint if you choose not to provide contact information. An employer found in violation of an OSHA regulation can face serious fines and even a shut down of operations.