Which of the following is a best practice when using a ladder?

• A. Ensure the ladder is on stable ground
• B. Tie the ladder to the structure
• C. Carry tools in pocket
• D. Check for damaged rungs

Answer: (D)

Before using a ladder, you must check its condition for safety, focusing on the structural integrity of the rungs. A damaged rung is a critical failure point—if it cracks or breaks under your weight, the ladder can fail and you could fall. This makes the presence of any damaged rung the most important thing to identify, because it directly determines whether the ladder is safe to stand on at all. If you find damaged rungs, retire the ladder from service or replace it; no amount of positioning the ladder on firm ground or tying it off will compensate for a compromised rung. Other precautions help reduce risk, but a damaged rung is an immediate, non-negotiable safety issue.