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The chief hazard when using a ladder is falling. A poorly designed, maintained, or improperly used ladder may collapse under the load placed upon it and cause the employee to fall. As a result, ladders cause a large number of injuries. One study concerning ladder-related injuries indicated that in more than half of the incidents the ladder either moved, slipped, fell, or broke while the employee was using it. The study also indicated that ladders were secured or braced in fewer than half of the incidents. And, in more than half of the incidents employees were carrying things in their hands at the time they fell. OSHA has general industry standards that apply to the design, construction, and use of portable wood ladders, portable metal ladders, fixed ladders, and stairs. The standards set requirements for ladder construction materials, length restrictions, spacing between rungs, clearance around fixed ladders, etc.

 The various types of portable ladders include:

• Stepladders - A self-supporting portable ladder, non-adjustable in length, having flat steps and hinged back.
• Single Ladder - A non self-supporting portable ladder, nonadjustable in length, consisting of but one section. Its size is designed by overall length of -the side rail.
• Extension Ladder - A non self-supporting portable ladder adjustable in length. 

OSHA’s requirements for portable ladders, contained in Subpart D-Walking & Working Surfaces, include:

• Portable stepladders longer than 20 feet shall not be used.
• Stepladders shall be equipped with a metal spreader or locking device of sufficient size and strength to securely hold the front and back sections in open position.
• Single ladders longer than 30 feet shall not be used.
• Extension ladders longer than 60 feet shall not be used.
• Ladders shall be maintained in good condition at all times.
• Ladders shall be inspected frequently and those which have developed defects shall be withdrawn from service for repair or destruction and tagged or marked as ‘’Dangerous, Do Not Use.'’  

Proper use of ladders is essential in preventing accidents. Even a good ladder can be a serious safety hazard when used by workers in a dangerous way. OSHA standards require the following safety precautions for portable ladder use:

• Ladders shall be placed with a secure footing, or they shall be lashed, or held in position.
• Ladders used to gain access to a roof or other area shall extend at least 3 feet above the point of support.
• The foot of a ladder shall, where possible, be used at such a pitch that horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is one-quarter of the working length of the ladder (the length along the ladder between the foot and the support).
• The worker shall always face the ladder when climbing up or down.
  Short ladders shall not be spliced together to make long ladders.
• Ladders shall never be used in the horizontal position as scaffolds or work platforms.
• The top of a regular stepladder shall not be used as a step.
• Use both hands when climbing or descending ladders.
• Metal ladders shall never be used near electrical equipment.

One other thing to keep in mind, if you are working at a height of 6 feet or more you are required to have fall protection as part of your safety compliance.