What is the minimum number of points of contact a worker should maintain with a ladder at all times?

Maintaining three points of contact with a ladder is crucial for ensuring worker safety. This guideline is essential as it provides stability and minimizes the risk of falling while ascending, descending, or working from the ladder. When a worker has three points of contact—two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand—they are better able to maintain balance and support their body weight securely. This balance is necessary to manage potential slips or shifts in position that can occur when working at height.

The practice of maintaining three points of contact is about fostering an environment where even if one point slips or loses grip, the other two remain functional, effectively reducing the chance of falls. ladders are inherently unstable, and this rule is designed to address the specific hazards associated with ladder use. Observing this guideline helps workers navigate the complexities of working at heights safely, contributing to a culture of safety within high hazard facilities.