Significance

• If a ladder is not set up and used properly, the user can be the victim of a serious accident. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, ladder-related injuries range from sprains to death. Following appropriate procedures, such as stabilizing the ladder and inspecting it before use, is key to safety.
  
  

Considerations

• The user should inspect the ladder before use, looking for cracks, split wood and smooth movement of its parts. The ladder rungs should be clean of any grease or oil. Set up the ladder on a flat, stable surface. The ladder should never be set up in front of a door opening; the area around the ladder must be clear of obstacles.
  
  

Types

• Never use aluminum ladders near power lines.ladder image by Joann Cooper from Fotolia.com
  
  Ladders are constructed from wood, fiberglass and aluminum. For safety's sake, do not use an aluminum ladder near a power source or electrical lines -- use a fiberglass model, which does not conduct electricity. Wood ladders don't conduct electricity -- but only when dry.