Falls from ladders remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities in construction, oil and gas, and other high-risk industries. OSHA requires employers to provide the proper protective gear and training, yet many incidents still occur due to missing or misused equipment.

A clear ladder safety gear checklist ensures workers have everything they need to stay protected, prevent accidents, and stay OSHA-compliant. Here’s what every operator and safety manager should know.

Why Ladder Safety Gear Matters

Climbing and working from ladders presents multiple risks, including:

• Falls from height

• Slips due to poor footwear

• Injuries from falling tools

• Strains from improper positioning

Equipping workers with the right gear reduces these risks significantly and provides verifiable proof of compliance during OSHA inspections.

Essential Ladder Safety Gear Checklist

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Hard hat – Protects against falling objects.

• Safety glasses – Shields eyes from debris.

• Non-slip footwear – Provides stability on ladder rungs.

• Gloves – Improves grip and reduces hand injuries.

2. Fall Protection Equipment

• Harnesses and lanyards – Required for jobs above 6 feet where fall hazards exist.

• Anchorage systems – Secure attachment points for lanyards.

• Self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) – Provide mobility while preventing long falls.

3. Ladder Safety Accessories

• Ladder stabilizers – Prevent slipping and provide a wider base.

• Non-slip pads – Keep ladders secure on smooth surfaces.

• Tool lanyards – Prevent dropped tools from injuring workers below.

• Work positioning belts – Help maintain stability while working at height.

4. Inspection and Maintenance Tools

• Inspection tags – Track ladder condition and inspection dates.

• Checklists or mobile apps – Ensure ladders are inspected before each use.

• Cleaning supplies – Keep rungs free from grease or debris.

Best Practices for Using Ladder Safety Gear

• Inspect before each use – Never climb a damaged ladder.

• Secure the ladder base – Use stabilizers or anchors.

• Maintain three points of contact – Two hands and one foot (or vice versa).

• Train employees regularly – Reinforce proper ladder use and PPE requirements.

Working on ladders in high-risk environments demands more than just awareness it requires the right gear, training, and procedures. A proper ladder safety gear checklist helps employers reduce accidents, protect workers, and stay OSHA-compliant.

Is your workforce equipped with the right ladder safety gear?

Contact Basin Safety today to schedule ladder safety training or request a customized gear checklist for your team.