The following hazards may occur when using a ladder unsafely or using a faulty ladder to store or retrieve merchandise:

• Falls caused by climbing on racks instead of using ladder.
• Falls from ladders caused by failing to maintain three-point contact.
• Falls caused by a ladder collapsing due to poor maintenance.
• Falls caused by the ladder tipping over.  

Before Using Ladder

• Choose a ladder that is long enough or extends far enough for the task. 
• Inspect the ladder before using it. Ensure it is not damaged in any way (e.g. broken, bent or loose steps, missing non-slip feet, etc.).
• Tag and remove defective ladders for repair. Do not straighten bent or bowed ladders. Do not paint ladders, as this can hide cracks or other weak points.
• Make sure that your shoes are not wet or muddy, as this could cause you to slip.
• Place ladders on solid, flat ground.
• Keep the ladder one foot from the wall for every four feet the ladder extends up.
• When using mobile tubular ladders, place the ladder as close as possible to the racking structure to minimize reaching. Make sure to lock the wheels.
• Do not lean the ladder against an unsecured backing such as loose boxes or merchandise.
• Lock the stepladder. Extend the legs fully and ensure the braces are locked. 
• When using the ladder in front of a door, ensure the door is propped open. 

While Using Ladder

• Maintain 3-point contact on the ladder. Keep two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand on the ladder. Keep a firm grip at all times.
• When climbing or descending a ladder, grasp the rungs instead of the side rails. The rungs will provide a better grip if your foot slips off the ladder. 
• Position the ladder facing the storage area. Never work sideways.
• Face the ladder when climbing and descending. 
• Don’t stretch or reach beyond the side of the ladder. You could lose your balance.
• On a mobile tubular ladder, avoid carrying heavy or bulky items over the handrails to prevent the ladder from tipping over. 
• When carrying small merchandise up a ladder, always have one hand available to hold onto the ladder. 
• Do not slide down a ladder. 
• Do not leap off of a ladder.
• Never stand higher on a ladder than what the manufacturer recommends (e.g. do not stand on the top step of stepladder and do not stand higher than the third rung from the top on a straight ladder).
• Never use a stepladder as a straight ladder.
• Keep metal ladders away from electrical wires. 
• If a portable ladder exceeds 6 meters in length and is not securely fastened, or it is likely to be endangered by traffic, then it shall be held in place by one or more workers.