When you’re starting to drown between employee concerns, payroll duties and helping your CEO -- HR Insider is there to help get the logistical work out of the way.
Step ladders are commonly used in various workplaces for tasks that require short-term access to elevated areas. While convenient, they present significant risks when not properly selected, maintained, or used according to safety standards. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations in Canada set clear requirements for the safe use of step ladders to prevent falls, strains, and other related injuries. Employers are responsible for ensuring that step ladders are the correct type and height for the job, are inspected regularly, and are in good working condition. While general ladder safety principles apply across Canada, specific OHS regulations vary by province and territory to address unique industry risks and environmental conditions. Compliance with these regulations minimizes the risk of workplace injuries, promotes safe ladder use, and ensures a secure working environment for all personnel using step ladders.
In federally regulated workplaces across Canada, the safe use of step ladders is governed under the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations – Part III Temporary Structures and Excavations, Section 3.11. This section outlines the responsibilities of employers to ensure that ladders, including step ladders, are constructed, maintained, and used in a manner that prevents accidents and injuries.
Portable Ladders
(1) Commercially manufactured portable ladders shall meet the standards set out in CSA Standard CAN3-Z11-M81, Portable Ladders, the English version of which is dated September, 1981, as amended to March, 1983 and the French version of which is dated August, 1982, as amended to June, 1983.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), every portable ladder shall, while being used,
(a) be placed on a firm footing; and
(b) be secured in such a manner that it cannot be dislodged accidentally from its position.
(3) Where, because of the nature of the location or of the work being done, a portable ladder cannot be securely fastened in place, it shall, while being used, be sloped so that the base of the ladder is not less than one-quarter and not more than one-third of the length of the ladder from a point directly below the top of the ladder and at the same level as the base.
(4) Every portable ladder that provides access from one level to another shall extend at least three rungs above the higher level.
(5) Metal or wire-bound portable ladders shall not be used if there is a risk that they could come into contact with any live electrical circuit or equipment.
(6) No employee shall work from any of the three top rungs of any single or extension portable ladder or from either of the two top steps of any portable step ladder. Section 3.11 (1) to (6).
Further details on the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations can be found at Justice.gc.ca.
In Alberta, the safe use of step ladders is regulated under the Occupational Health and Safety Code – Part 8: Entrances, Walkways, Stairways and Ladders, Sections 124, 125, 133, to 136. These provisions establish the requirements for ladder design, maintenance, placement, and use to prevent injuries associated with falls or ladder failure.
Ladders — General
Restriction on Use
An employer must ensure that workers do not use a ladder to enter or leave an elevated or sublevel work area if the area has another safe and recognizable way to enter or leave it. Section 124.
Prohibition on Single Rail
A person must not make a ladder by fastening cleats across a single rail or post. Section 125.
Portable Ladders
Prohibition
(1) A worker must not perform work from either of the top 2 rungs, steps or cleats of a portable ladder unless the manufacturer’s specifications allow the worker to do so.
(2) Despite subsection (1), a worker may work from either of the top 2 rungs, steps, or treads of a stepladder,
(a) if the stepladder has a railed platform at the top, or
(b) if the manufacturer’s specifications for the stepladder permit it. Section 133 (1)(2).
Constructed Portable Ladder
(1) An employer must ensure that a constructed portable ladder:
(a) is constructed of lumber that is free of loose knots or knot holes,
(b) with a length of 5 metres or less has side rails constructed of lumber measuring not less than 38 millimetres by 89 millimetres,
(c) more than 5 metres long has side rails constructed of lumber measuring not less than 38 millimetres by 140 millimetres,
(d) has side rails that are not notched, dapped, tapered or spliced,
(e) has side rails at least 500 millimetres apart at the bottom, and
(f) has rungs that are:
(i) constructed of lumber measuring not less than 21 millimetres by 89 millimetres,
(ii) held by filler blocks or secured by a single continuous wire, and
(iii) uniformly spaced at a centretocentre distance of 250 millimetres to 300 millimetres.
(2) An employer must ensure that a twoway constructed portable ladder that is wide enough to permit traffic in both directions at the same time,
(a) has a centre structural rail along the length of the ladder,
(b) is at least 1 metre wide, and
(c) is constructed of materials that are substantial enough in size to accommodate the maximum intended load. Section 134(1)(2).
Manufactured Portable Ladder
An employer must ensure that a portable ladder manufactured on or after July 1, 2009 meets the requirements of:
(a) CSA Standard CAN3 Z11M81 (R2005), Portable Ladders,
(b) ANSI Standard A14.12007, American National Standard for Ladders — Wood Safety Requirements,
(c) ANSI Standard A14.22007, American National Standard for Ladders — Portable Metal — Safety Requirements, or
(d) ANSI Standard A14.52007, American National Standard for Ladders — Portable Reinforced Plastic — Safety Requirements. Section 135.
Securing and Positioning
A worker must ensure that:
(a) a portable ladder is secured against movement and placed on a base that is stable,
(b) the base of an inclined portable ladder is no further from the base of the wall or structure than 1/4 of the distance between the base of the ladder and the place where the ladder contacts the wall, and
(c) the side rails of a portable ladder extend at least 1 metre above a platform, landing or parapet if the ladder is used as a means of access to the platform, landing or parapet. Section 136.
Further details on the Occupational Health And Safety Code can be found Alberta.ca.
In British Columbia, the safe use of step ladders is regulated under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation – Part 13: Ladders, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms, Sections 13.4 to 13.6. These sections outline essential requirements for the proper selection, inspection, and use of ladders, including step ladders, to reduce the risk of falls and related injuries.
Manufactured Ladders
A manufactured portable ladder must be marked for the grade of material used to construct the ladder and the use for which the ladder is constructed. Section 13.4.
Position and Stability
(1) A portable ladder must:
(a) be placed on a firm and level surface, and
(b) be of sufficient length to enable the safe performance of the work activity while being used.
(2) A portable non-self-supporting ladder must,
(a) as shown in Figure 13-1, be positioned so that the ladder is leaning against the vertical plane of support at an approximate angle of 75° when measured from the horizontal plane of support,
(b) if the ladder provides access to or egress from an upper landing,
(i) project approximately 1 m (3 ft) above the upper landing, and
(ii) be sufficiently secured in place to ensure the stability of the ladder during access to or egress from the upper landing, and
(c) if the ladder is not already secured in accordance with paragraph (b)(ii), be sufficiently secured in place to ensure the stability of the ladder during use if conditions exist that are likely to cause the ladder to be unstable. Section 13.5.
Figure 13-1: Ladder Angle
Use Restrictions
(1) If work cannot be done from a ladder without hazard to a worker, a work platform must be provided.
(2) A worker must not carry up or down a ladder, heavy or bulky objects or any other objects which may make ascent or descent unsafe. Section 13.6.
Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation can be found at WorksafeBC.com.
In Manitoba, the safe use of step ladders is regulated under the Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation – Part 13: Entrances, Exits, Stairways, and Ladders, Sections 13.7, 13.8, 13.11, and 13.16 to 13.19. These sections establish essential requirements for the design, inspection, and proper use of ladders, including step ladders, to prevent falls and other workplace injuries.
LADDERS — GENERAL
Loads
Every ladder provided by an employer for use at a workplace must be designed and constructed and maintained to safely support any load that will be or is likely to be imposed on it. Section 13.7.
Worker to Inspect Ladder
An employer must ensure that a worker inspects a ladder for defects prior to each use. A ladder found to be broken or defective may not be used until it has been repaired and restored to its original design specifications. Section 13.8.
PORTABLE LADDERS
Commercially Manufactured Portable Ladder
An employer must ensure that a commercially manufactured portable ladder used at a workplace:
(a) complies with the applicable requirements of the following standards:
(i) CSA Z11-18, Portable Ladders,
(ii) ANSI-ASC A14.1-2017, American National Standard for Ladders — Wood — Safety Requirements,
(iii) ANSI-ASC A14.2-2017, American National Standard for Ladders — Portable Metal — Safety Requirements,
(iv) ANSI-ASC A14.5-2017, American National Standard for Ladders — Portable Reinforced Plastic — Safety Requirements; and
(b) is used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and safe operating instructions Section 13.11.
Portable Ladders
(1) When in use at a workplace, an employer must ensure that a portable ladder is secured against movement at all times during use and is placed on a stable, level base.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), an employer must ensure that:
(a) where a portable ladder is used as a means of access to a platform, roof or other landing, it extends at least one metre above the platform, roof or other landing; and
(b) for a portable ladder other than a stepladder, it is placed against a structure so that the slope of the ladder is no more than 1:4. Section 13.16 (1)(2).
Stepladders
An employer must ensure that a stepladder:
(a) is not more than 6 m high when set for use; and
(b) has legs that are securely held in position by metal braces or an equivalent rigid support. Section 13.17.
Workers Using Portable Ladder
An employer must ensure that a worker using:
(a) a stepladder or other commercially manufactured portable ladder does so in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and safe operating instructions; and
(b) a portable ladder other than a stepladder
(i) does not extend any part of his or her body, except his or her arms, beyond the side rails of the ladder, and
(ii) maintains a three-point contact on the ladder at all times. Section 13.18.
Prohibitions re: Use of Portable Ladder
An employer must ensure that a worker does not perform work from either of the top two rungs, steps or cleats of:
(a) a portable ladder other than a stepladder unless the manufacturer’s specifications for the ladder permit it; or
(b) a stepladder, unless
(i) it has a railed platform at the top, or
(ii) the manufacturer’s specifications for the stepladder permit it. Section 13.19.
Further details on the Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation can be found at Gov.MB.ca.
In New Brunswick, the safe use of step ladders is addressed under the General Regulation – Part XI Temporary Structures, Sections 122, and 124 to 126. These provisions outline the minimum safety requirements for the use, condition, and placement of ladders, including step ladders, to prevent falls and ensure worker safety.
Portable Ladder - General Requirements
(1) An employer shall ensure that a portable ladder used at a place of employment is:
(a) of adequate strength and length,
(b) clean and free of grease, and
(c) maintained in a safe condition.
Defects in Portable Ladder
(2) An employer shall ensure that a portable ladder is removed from service when it has loose, broken or missing rungs, split side rails, or other defects that may be hazardous to the safety of an employee. Section 122 (1)(2).
Portable Ladder
(1) An employer shall ensure that a portable ladder complies with and is used in accordance with either of the following standards:
(a) CSA standard Z11-12 (R2017), Portable ladders or a standard offering equivalent or better protection; or
(b) ANSI standard ANSI ASC A-14.7-2011, Safety Requirements for Mobile Ladder Stands and Mobile Ladder Stand Platforms or a standard offering equivalent or better protection.
(2) An employer shall ensure that a portable extension ladder:
(a) has no more than three sections,
(b) has locks that securely hold the sections of the ladder in an extended position, and
(c) when extended, maintains a minimum overlap as follows:
(i) where the ladder is 11 m or less, the overlap shall be 1 m;
(ii) where the ladder exceeds 11 m and is 15 m or less, the overlap shall be 1.25 m; and
(iii) where the ladder exceeds 15 m and is 22 m or less, the overlap shall be 1.5 m.
(3) An employee working 3 m or more above the ground or floor level on a portable ladder may work without a fall-protection system if:
(a) the work is a light duty task of short duration at each location,
(b) the employee’s centre of gravity is maintained between the two ladder side rails,
(c) the employee will generally have one hand available to hold on to the ladder or another support, and
(d) the ladder is not positioned near an edge or floor opening that would significantly increase the potential fall distance. Section 124 (1) to (3).
Employee Responsibilities – Use of Portable Ladder
(1) An employee who uses a portable ladder shall:
(a) inspect the ladder before use,
(b) report any unsafe condition of the ladder to the employer,
(c) face the ladder and use both hands when climbing or descending, and
(d) when standing on a ladder, stand in the centre between the side rails.
(2) An employee who uses a portable ladder shall ensure that:
(a) the ladder is secured against movement,
(b) the side rails of the ladder extend at least 1 m above any platform or landing to which the ladder is a means of access, and
(c) if a step ladder, the legs are securely held in position by means of metal braces or an equivalent rigid support.
(3) An employee who uses a portable ladder shall not:
(a) splice ladders together unless the spliced section is braced so that the spliced side rails are as strong as the original side rails,
(b) place a ladder in front of or against a door unless the door is blocked in the open position, locked or guarded,
(c) use a ladder as scaffold flooring or as support for scaffold flooring,
(d) stand on the material shelf, the top or the top step of a portable step ladder, or
(e) work from the top three rungs of a portable single or extension ladder.
(4) Paragraphs (1)(d) and (3)(c) and (e) do not apply to a firefighter engaged in structural fire-fighting or rescue. Section 125 (1) to (4).
Use of Portable Ladder Near Energized Electrical Source
Where an employee is using a portable ladder and is working close to an energized electrical utility line or utility line equipment, the employer and the employee shall each comply with the appropriate provisions of Part XIX. Section 126.
Further details on the General Regulation can be found at GNB.ca.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the safe use of step ladders is addressed under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations – Part XI: Scaffolds, Stages and Work Platforms, Sections 148, 151, 152, and 154. These sections outline essential safety requirements for the use, condition, and stability of ladders to prevent falls and injuries during work at height.
Portable Ladder Standards
(1) Except as otherwise permitted by this Part, portable ladder design, construction and use shall meet the requirements of:
(a) CSA Standard CAN3-Z11 "Portable Ladders";
(b) ANSI Standard A14.1-1990 "Safety Requirements for Portable Wood Ladders";
(c) ANSI Standard A14.2-1990 "Safety Requirements for Portable Metal Ladders"; or
(d) other standard acceptable to the minister.
(2) A manufactured portable ladder shall be:
(a) marked for grade and use; and
(b) used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Section 148.
Inspection
Portable ladders shall be inspected before use, and ladders with loose, broken or missing rungs, split side rails or other hazardous defects shall be removed from service. Section 151.
Inclination and Support
Where a portable single or extension ladder is in use:
(a) the ladder shall be placed so that the horizontal distance from the base to the vertical plane of support is approximately one-quarter of the ladder length between supports; and
(b) the lower ends of the ladder side rails shall rest on a firm and level base and the upper support of the side rails shall be rested on a bearing surface strong enough to safely withstand the applied load. Section 152.
Restrictions on Use
(1) Except as otherwise permitted by a manufacturer, a worker shall not work from either the top 2 rungs of a portable single or extension ladder or the top 2 steps of a stepladder.
(2) A ladder shall not be used as a scaffold component or as a horizontal walkway, ramp or work platform support except where the ladder is part of a pre-manufactured or engineered system.
(3) A worker shall maintain 3 points of contact when using a ladder.
(4) A worker may only work from a portable ladder without fall protection where:
(a) the work is a light duty task of short duration at each location;
(b) the worker's centre of gravity is maintained between the ladder side rails; and
(c) the ladder is not positioned near an edge or floor opening that would significantly increase the potential fall distance. Section 154 (1) to (3).
Further details on the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations can be found at Assembly.NL.ca.
In Nova Scotia, the safe use of step ladders in excavation and trenching work is addressed under the Occupational Safety General Regulations – Part 14: Excavations and Trenches, Sections 147 to 152. These sections outline safety requirements for accessing and working within excavations, where ladders are commonly used as means of entry and exit.
Ladders
An employer shall ensure that a fixed ladder is designed, constructed, installed and maintained in accordance with the latest version of ANSI standard ANSI A14.3 “American National Standard for Ladders - Fixed - Safety Requirements”. Section 147.
(1) An employer shall ensure that a portable ladder used at a workplace is:
(a) able to withstand 4 times the maximum load likely to be imposed;
(b) clean and free of grease, oil or other substances that may cause slipping;
(c) maintained in a safe condition;
(d) inspected at all of the following times by a competent person to ensure all components are in an adequate condition and the ladder is safe to use
(i) before each use,
(ii) annually;
(e) not used, where the inspection required in clause (d) identifies an inadequate condition with the ladder.
(2) An employer shall ensure that a person using a fixed or portable ladder shall:
(a) face the ladder when climbing or descending;
(b) when more than 1 m above a safe surface, maintain adequate contact with the ladder, such as 3-point contact;
(c) where the person is standing on a ladder, stand in the centre between the side rails;
(d) where the ladder is a step ladder, not stand on the material shelf, the top or the top step of the ladder; and
(e) where the ladder is not a step ladder, not work from the top three rungs of the ladder.
(3) Clauses (2)(b), (c), (d), and (e) do not apply to a firefighter engaged in structural firefighting or rescue.
(4) An employer shall remove a ladder from service when it has loose, broken or missing rungs, split side rails or other defects that may be hazardous to the safety of a person at the workplace. Section 148 (1) to (4).
(1) An employer shall ensure that a wooden portable ladder that is not commercially manufactured:
(a) is made of No. 1 or No. 2 spruce, pine, or fir as graded according to the latest version of CSA standard CSA 0141, “Softwood Lumber”, or other lumber that provides an equivalent level of safety;
(b) is not painted other than by being preserved with a transparent protective coating;
(c) if a single ladder, does not exceed 9 m in length;
(d) has rungs that are
(i) free of knots,
(ii) designed to carry a load of 200 kg placed at the centre,
(iii) uniformly spaced with a maximum rise of 300 mm,
(iv) secured to each side of the side rail of the ladder by at least 3 screws or spiral nails of adequate length or by attachments giving equivalent or better strength, and
(v) subject to subsection (3), cleated to the side rails; and
(e) has side rails that
(i) are dressed on all sides and without sharp edges,
(ii) subject to subsection (3), have a uniform clear width between them of not less than 300 mm for ladders 3 m in length or less, and increasing 1 mm in width for each 100 mm in excess of 3 m,
(iii) where the ladder is less than 5.7 m in length, have dimensions of at least 50 mm thick by at least 100 mm wide, and
(iv) subject to subsection (3), where the ladder is 5.7 m or greater in length, have dimensions of at least 50 mm thick by at least 150 mm wide.
(2) An employer shall ensure that a ladder does not sway or sag in an unsafe manner.
(3) An employer shall ensure that a portable ladder that is designed specifically for the purpose of harvesting fruit from trees and is used only for that purpose, is erected, constructed, maintained and used so as to be adequate for that purpose.
(4) Subclause (1)(d)(v) and subclauses (1)(e)(ii) and (iv) do not apply to a ladder that conforms to the requirements of subsection (3). Section 149 (1) to (4).
(1) An employer shall ensure that a portable ladder that is commercially manufactured is designed, manufactured and maintained in accordance with the latest version of CSA standard Z11, “Portable Ladders”.
(2) Despite subsection (1), an employer shall ensure that Grade 3 portable ladders, as described in any edition of CSA standard CSA Z11, “Portable Ladders”, are not used at a workplace.
(3) An employer shall ensure that a commercially manufactured portable ladder:
(a) where it is an extension ladder, maintains an adequate overlap between the sections of the ladder;
(b) has locks engaged before the extension ladder is climbed; and
(c) where there is a risk of contact with live electrical conductors, is non-conductive. Section 150 (1) to (3).
For more information:
- Requirements of employer is use of portable ladders. Sections 151, 152.
Further details on the Occupational Safety General Regulations can be found at Novascotia.ca.
