Ladder Inspection Checklist
Print-ready PDF
Download this checklist as a print-ready PDF, available in 4 languages.
Why this inspection matters#
Falls are the leading cause of death in construction, and ladders are one of the largest single sources. Across all industries, ladder falls account for roughly 20% of workplace fall injuries; in construction specifically, BLS recorded 161 fatal work injuries in 2020 with a ladder as the primary source — 105 of them from portable ladders. A 60-second inspection before each use catches the split rails, bent rungs, and worn feet behind many of those falls.
OSHA's construction ladder standard, 29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(15), requires that ladders be inspected by a competent person for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect safe use. When a defect is found, 1926.1053(b)(16) requires the ladder to be withdrawn from service and tagged "Do Not Use" (or marked similarly) until it is repaired to meet its original design criteria, or destroyed. For general-industry ladders, the parallel standard is 29 CFR 1910.23. Ladder violations are consistently among OSHA's most-cited standards year after year.
Inspect the ladder before each use, and never "field-repair" a defective ladder with makeshift parts — the fix is a tag-out, not a workaround.
How to use this checklist#
Fill in the date, inspector, location, and equipment ID. Check each item Pass, Fail, or N/A, recording specifics in the notes column. Items 5–6 apply to step ladders, 7–8 to extension ladders, and 13–15 select the item that matches the ladder's material. Any failed item means the ladder is tagged and removed from service until repaired or destroyed.
Ladder inspection items#
| # | Inspection item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Side rails are straight, with no cracks, splits, dents, or bending. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 2 | All rungs are secure, straight, and free of cracks, breaks, or excessive wear. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 3 | Rungs are clean and free of grease, mud, paint, or other slip hazards. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 4 | Rivets, bolts, and rung-to-rail connections are tight and undamaged. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 5 | Step ladder spreaders open fully, lock in place, and are not bent. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 6 | Step ladder hinges are secure, with no missing or damaged hardware. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 7 | Extension ladder rope and pulley operate smoothly with no fraying or damage. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 8 | Extension ladder rung locks engage fully and hold the fly section securely. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 9 | Non-slip safety feet are present, intact, and not worn smooth. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 10 | Top cap (step ladder) is secure and uncracked; no missing labels. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 11 | Manufacturer labels and duty rating are legible and match the intended use. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 12 | Ladder is the correct duty rating: Type IA (300 lb / 136 kg) for industrial use. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 13 | Wood ladders show no rot, splinters, paint covering defects, or warping. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 14 | Fiberglass ladders show no cracks, fiber bloom, deep scratches, or UV damage. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 15 | Metal ladders are not used near energized electrical work — fiberglass only. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 16 | Ladder length is correct: extends 3 feet (0.9 m) above the landing for access. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 17 | No modifications, repairs with non-OEM parts, or makeshift extensions. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 18 | No defects from previous use have been ignored — defective ladders are tagged out. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 19 | Worker has been trained on three-point contact, ladder angle (4:1), and tie-off. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 20 | Storage area is dry, sheltered, and prevents ladder damage between uses. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Corrective actions taken#
Describe any issues found and the steps taken to correct them. A defective ladder is tagged "Do Not Use" and removed from service until repaired to its original design criteria or destroyed.
Inspection sign-off#
- Inspector signature: __________________________
- Supervisor signature: __________________________
- Inspection result: ☐ All items passed ☐ Issues require follow-up
Related toolbox talks#
Disclaimer#
This checklist is a general guide based on OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1053 and 1910.23. Always follow your site-specific procedures, the manufacturer's labels and duty rating, and the regulations that apply to your jurisdiction and ladder type.