There are several important don’ts in the safe use of ladders.

• Don’t set up a ladder on boxes, boards or any other unstable make shift base, to try to get extra height out of the ladder. If it doesn’t reach the needed height, get a longer ladder.
• Don’t straddle the space between a ladder and another object.
• Don’t use a ladder placed in a horizontal position as a make shift scaffold, gangplank or walkway. Using a ladder for something other than its intended use is the most common cause of falls.
• Don’t move, shift or extend a ladder while occupied.