How many points of contact with a ladder should a worker maintain at all times?

Maintaining three points of contact with a ladder is a critical safety measure. This approach ensures greater stability and reduces the risk of falling while working at heights.

The standard practice involves having either two hands and one foot or one hand and two feet in contact with the ladder at all times. This configuration allows the worker to have a secure grip and balanced posture, which is essential for safely ascending, descending, or working from the ladder. The concept of three points of contact minimizes the likelihood of the worker losing balance and falling, which is one of the leading causes of injuries in ladder-related accidents.

This guideline emphasizes the importance of safety during ladder use in various environments, including construction sites and maintenance work. As such, it's crucial for workers to adhere to this practice to enhance their safety and effectiveness while performing tasks at height.