Ladder Safety Program — OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23 / 1926.1053 Compliant
Written program for portable and fixed ladder use. Covers inspection, training, the post-2018 fixed ladder fall protection requirement (cages no longer compliant), and the 2036 phase-out of fixed ladder cages on existing structures.
When this template is required
Required wherever ladders are used. Both portable and fixed ladders are covered. Fixed ladders attached after November 19, 2018 must include fall protection (ladder safety systems or personal fall arrest); existing fixed ladders >24 feet had a phase-in deadline of November 18, 2036.
Why this template
Includes the 2018 fixed ladder rule change
OSHA's 2017 walking-working surfaces update (1910.23) eliminated cages as compliant fall protection for fixed ladders extending more than 24 feet above a lower level, on ladders installed after November 19, 2018. Existing ladders with cages get phased out by November 18, 2036. The program documents your status.
Portable and fixed ladder coverage
Most templates cover only portable. This one covers fixed ladders as well — including the fall protection requirements specific to fixed ladders (ladder safety systems, personal fall arrest, cages on existing pre-2018 ladders).
ANSI ladder type matrix
ANSI A14 classifies ladders by duty rating: Type IAA (375 lb, extra heavy-duty industrial), Type IA (300 lb, heavy-duty industrial), Type I (250 lb, industrial), Type II (225 lb, commercial), Type III (200 lb, household). The selection guide matches type to use.
Removal/tagging procedure for defective ladders
Damaged ladders must be removed from service immediately. The program includes the tagging procedure and removal-from-service log.
What you receive
- Ladder Safety Program (Word .docx) — portable and fixed
- Pre-use ladder inspection checklist
- Ladder selection guide (Type I-IAA per ANSI A14)
- Fixed ladder fall protection assessment (post-2018 requirement)
- Defective ladder removal/tagging procedure
- Worker training outline
- Ladder use procedure (3-point contact, angle of inclination, etc.)
- Combination ladder and step ladder specific procedures
How you get it
This document is written and reviewed against the standard it cites, and it is ready now. The download link is emailed as soon as your payment clears.
Revisions included — if something about your operation changes what the document should say, reply to the delivery email and we will amend it.
Who buys this
- Maintenance teams using portable ladders
- Telecom and utility contractors (fixed ladders on poles/towers)
- Painting contractors
- Roofing contractors (extension ladders)
- Industrial facilities with fixed ladders on tanks, silos, structures
- Warehousing (rolling ladders, mobile platforms)
Frequently asked
What changed in OSHA's ladder rule in 2018?
29 CFR 1910.23 (effective November 19, 2018) made significant changes to fixed ladders. Cages (also called 'wells') are NO LONGER considered compliant fall protection on fixed ladders installed after November 19, 2018 that extend more than 24 feet above a lower level. New installations must use a ladder safety system (cable or rail) or personal fall arrest. Existing fixed ladders with cages have a phase-in: by November 18, 2036, all fixed ladders > 24 feet must have a ladder safety system or PFAS regardless of installation date.
Does this apply to construction or general industry?
Both. 29 CFR 1910.23 covers general industry ladders. 29 CFR 1926.1053 covers construction ladders. The two are largely similar but construction has additional provisions for job-built ladders, ladder use at excavations, and other construction-specific scenarios. The template covers both.
What's the 3-point contact rule?
While climbing or descending a ladder, three of the worker's four limbs must be in contact with the ladder at all times (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand). The rule isn't explicitly in OSHA but is referenced in ANSI A14 and is standard practice. The program includes 3-point contact as part of worker training.
When do I need fall protection on a portable ladder?
Portable ladders typically don't require fall protection systems (3-point contact + proper use is the protection). However, if the worker must use both hands for the task (precluding 3-point contact), or if the ladder is being used in conditions that prevent safe climbing, alternative work platforms or fall protection may be needed. The program addresses these situations.
How often do ladders need to be inspected?
Before each use (visual inspection by the user) and periodically (formal inspection by a competent person). The pre-use inspection checks for damage that could affect ladder integrity — bent or broken rungs, damaged side rails, missing feet, damaged spreaders on step ladders, etc. The program includes the inspection checklist.