When climbing or descending a ladder, where should your back be in relation to the ladder?

When climbing or descending a ladder, where should your back be in relation to the ladder?

• A. toward
• B. away from
• C. beside
• D. along the ladder

Answer: (B)

The safest way to climb or descend is with your body facing the ladder and your back away from it. This position keeps you square to the rails, helps you maintain three points of contact, and keeps your weight centered over the ladder. When your back is away from the ladder, you can push with your legs and pull with your hands without twisting, reducing the chance of losing balance. Leaning toward the ladder, or standing beside or alongside it, makes you less stable and increases the risk of slipping or tipping.

The safest way to climb or descend is with your body facing the ladder and your back away from it. This position keeps you square to the rails, helps you maintain three points of contact, and keeps your weight centered over the ladder. When your back is away from the ladder, you can push with your legs and pull with your hands without twisting, reducing the chance of losing balance. Leaning toward the ladder, or standing beside or alongside it, makes you less stable and increases the risk of slipping or tipping.