Which statement best reflects safe ladder use?

• A. Never inspect ladders before use
• B. Ladders should be used on unstable ground
• C. You should climb with one hand only
• D. Always maintain three points of contact while climbing and after stepping off

Answer: (D)

Safe ladder use centers on maintaining three points of contact to stay balanced, meaning two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand, stay on the ladder at all times as you climb, descend, and step off. This rule keeps you stable and reduces the chance you’ll slip if you reach or shift weight. Because of that, the practice of always maintaining three points of contact during the climb and after stepping off is the safest approach.

Other ideas are unsafe for good reasons: never inspecting a ladder before use ignores obvious defects like bent rails or loose rungs that can fail, so inspection should be routine. Placing a ladder on unstable ground invites wobbling or sinking, which can cause a fall. Climbing with one hand breaks the three-point contact rule and significantly increases the risk of losing balance. So, keeping three points of contact throughout the entire process is the best safety guideline.