Step Up Safely:
A Simple Reminder About Ladder Use
You probably remember me mentioning, in a previous issue, that I was doing some cleaning of the faux greenery on top of my kitchen cabinets a few weeks ago. My cabinets are very high and I’m 5'3", so I had to use a ladder. I thought today, especially since I’m sharing Marianne’s story above, would be a good time to talk about ladder safety. There’s something about a step ladder that makes us feel just a little more capable...like, "I’ll just grab that real quick," or "This will only take a second." But ladders are one of those everyday tools that deserve a little more respect than we tend to give them.
Most accidents don’t happen because we don’t know better. They happen because we’re in a hurry, reaching just a little too far, or thinking, "I’ve done this a hundred times."
I’ve learned to
pause before stepping up. Not in a fearful way, but in a mindful way. A ladder is not the place to multitask, rush, or improvise. It’s the place to be steady, focused, and intentional. Whether it’s changing a lightbulb, grabbing something from a high shelf, or doing a quick fix, how you use that ladder matters more than the task itself.
Here are a few simple habits that make all the difference:
1. Always place your ladder on a flat, stable surface. If the floor feels even slightly uneven, stop and adjust before climbing.
2. Fully open and lock a step ladder before stepping on it. That "almost open" position is not safe, even for a quick reach.
3. Keep three points of contact at all times...two feet and one hand, or two hands and one
foot.
4. Never stand on the very top step or the step just below it. It might feel tempting, but it’s not designed for standing.
5. Position the
ladder close to your work so you’re not leaning or reaching off to the side. If you can’t reach comfortably, climb down and reposition.
6. Wear shoes with good grip...no socks, no slippery soles.
7. And one of the biggest ones: don’t carry items up the ladder in your hands. Use a small tool belt, pocket, or make an extra trip.
It all comes back to this: slow down, even if the task is quick. That extra minute to set things up properly
can save you from weeks, or more, of recovery.
And sometimes, the safest choice is simply not doing it alone...or in some cases, maybe not at all. When I was up on the ladder cleaning those high cabinets, I realized a few of the decorative pieces were heavier than I expected. I had my husband hand them to me and stay
nearby while I worked. It was a simple adjustment, but it made everything feel more stable and a lot safer. Use someone's help, like I did, or ask someone else to do it if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself.
Just because something is simple doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. A little attention goes a long way in keeping you
steady, safe, and on your feet.
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