Which ladder safety practices reduce fall risk?

• A. Three points of contact are recommended only when climbing down.
• B. Use a buddy to hold the base while climbing.
• C. Three points of contact, stable base, non-slip feet, correct ladder angle, and three-point contact.
• D. Ladders should be placed on soft ground for stability.

Answer: (C)

Safe ladder use reduces fall risk by combining a stable setup with continuous contact and proper positioning. The best choice brings together several essential practices: keep three points of contact on the ladder at all times, maintain a stable base with non-slip feet, and use the correct ladder angle. Maintaining three points of contact means always having two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand on the ladder as you climb or descend, so a slip doesn’t lead to a fall and you stay steadier throughout the ascent or descent. A stable base prevents wobble or tipping, which means placing the ladder on firm, level ground and avoiding soft or uneven surfaces. Non-slip feet prevent sideways sliding, so the feet should be intact and clean before climbing. The right ladder angle, about 75 degrees (roughly four feet out for every one foot up), helps keep the ladder from tipping forward or slipping backward. Other options don’t cover all of these critical elements together: relying on someone to hold the base isn’t a substitute for a proper setup, and placing a ladder on soft ground creates an unstable condition.