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One assessment for each task, step by step

Manual pages 12-61 to 12-62

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JSA - Ladder Use

Hazard of Task (State Safety or Health Hazard)	Severity	Probability (Likelihood)	Overall Risk Rating	Hazard Controls
Task: Ladder Use				Date Developed: September 2026		Date Reviewed:
Positions Included: Site Supervisor, Electrician, Equipment Operator				Assessed by: Site Supervisor
Hazard of Task (State Safety or Health Hazard)	Risk Rating
Step 1: Prepare for ladder use
Slips, trips and falls (S)	1	2	2	Engineering	Choose a ladder with slip-resistant feet and rungs.
				Administrative	Inspect the work area before setting up. Keep it clear of tools, cords and debris. Complete a field level hazard assessment before starting.
				PPE	Wear safety footwear with slip-resistant soles.
Untrained workers (S)	1	2	2	Engineering	Not applicable
				Administrative	Workers are trained in how to inspect, set up and use a ladder before they use one.
				PPE	Not applicable
Damaged or defective ladder (S)	2	2	4	Engineering	Use a ladder rated for the load and suited to the task.
				Administrative	Inspect the ladder before each use. Tag a damaged ladder and remove it from service until it is repaired or replaced. Clean any build-up of material off the rungs.
				PPE	Not applicable
Step 2: Place ladder in position
Pinch points (S)	1	2	2	Engineering	Use a ladder with working spreader locks or rung locks.
				Administrative	Keep hands clear of the rails, hinges and locks when opening, extending or closing the ladder.
				PPE	Wear gloves with a good grip.
Lifting and carrying (S)	1	2	2	Engineering	Use a cart or dolly to move long or heavy ladders where possible.
				Administrative	Get help to carry a long or heavy ladder. Carry it level, watch for people and overhead obstructions, and use proper lifting technique.
				PPE	Wear gloves with a good grip.
Ladder slipping or tipping (S)	2	2	4	Engineering	Use ladder levellers or non-slip feet on uneven or slippery ground.
				Administrative	Set the ladder on firm, level ground. Set an extension ladder at a 4 to 1 angle (one unit out for every four units up) and secure it at the top, or have a second worker hold the base. Do not set a ladder in front of a door unless the door is guarded or secured against opening, and cone off the base where people or vehicles pass. Do not use a ladder outdoors in high wind or a lightning storm.
				PPE	Not applicable
Overhead hazards and power lines (S)	2	2	4	Engineering	Use a non-conductive ladder near energized equipment or overhead power lines.
				Administrative	Check for overhead hazards, including power lines, before placing the ladder. Keep the required safe limits of approach from power lines.
				PPE	Wear a hard hat.

12-61

Hazard of Task (State Safety or Health Hazard)	Severity	Probability (Likelihood)	Overall Risk Rating	Hazard Controls
Task: Ladder Use				Date Developed: September 2026		Date Reviewed:
Positions Included: Site Supervisor, Electrician, Equipment Operator				Assessed by: Site Supervisor
Hazard of Task (State Safety or Health Hazard)	Risk Rating
Step 3: Use a ladder below 3 metres
Falls (S)	3	2	6	Engineering	Use a platform ladder or work platform where the task allows.
				Administrative	Face the ladder and keep three points of contact while climbing. Do not stand on the top two rungs. Keep your centre of balance between the rails, and move the ladder rather than overreach. Use a ladder only for light work of short duration. Allow only one worker on the ladder at a time, and never set a ladder on boxes or other objects to gain height. Extend an extension ladder far enough above the landing to give a handhold when stepping off.
				PPE	Wear safety footwear with slip-resistant soles.
Slips and trips (S)	1	2	2	Engineering	Not applicable
				Administrative	Keep the rungs and your footwear clean and dry. Keep the area around the base of the ladder clear.
				PPE	Wear safety footwear with slip-resistant soles.
Overhead hazards (S)	2	2	4	Engineering	Not applicable
				Administrative	Watch for overhead obstructions while climbing and working.
				PPE	Wear a hard hat.
Step 4: Work from a ladder at 3 metres or more
Falls from height (S)	3	2	6	Engineering	Use a ladder with a top platform and guardrail where one is available.
				Administrative	Use fall protection where it is required. Keep three points of contact, stay centred between the rails, and limit ladder work to light work of short duration.
				PPE	Wear a full body harness tied off to a suitable anchor, as required by provincial OHS legislation.
Fatigue (H)	1	2	2	Engineering	Use an aerial work platform for longer tasks.
				Administrative	Plan the work to limit time on the ladder and take regular breaks. Where you are working alone, check in at agreed times, and stay in contact with the crew.
				PPE	Not applicable
Struck by tools or materials dropped from the ladder (S)	2	2	4	Engineering	Use a tool bag or bucket, and raise tools and materials with a rope rather than carrying them up.
				Administrative	Flag or cone off the area below the ladder and keep other workers out of it. Do not climb with tools in your hands.
				PPE	Wear a hard hat, and use tool lanyards where practicable.

12-62

Every hazard is rated

Severity and probability on a 1 to 3 scale, multiplied into the overall rating. Nothing is left blank.

Controls split three ways

Engineering, administrative and PPE each get their own row.

In the order the work happens

Each task is broken into steps, with that step’s hazards beneath it.

Safety or health, marked

(S) for a safety hazard, (H) for a health hazard.

Worth knowing

Ratings are a starting point for your company to review and adjust to your own sites.

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Formal Hazard Assessments

One assessment for each task, step by step