What is a key safety practice when working on ladders?

Maintaining three points of contact is crucial when working on ladders because it enhances stability and minimizes the risk of falling. This practice involves keeping two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, in contact with the ladder at all times. By ensuring that you have a solid grip and footing, you create a stable position that allows for better balance while performing tasks at elevated heights. This safety measure is fundamental in preventing accidents and promotes overall safe ladder usage.

Using a harness can be beneficial in specific scenarios, particularly for working at greater heights, but it isn't always necessary for every ladder task. Having a spotter can provide additional safety but is not a standard requirement for all ladder work. Relying on the stability of the ladder alone, without proper body positioning, can lead to unsafe situations. Therefore, maintaining three points of contact remains the best practice for maximizing safety while using ladders.