What should be done if a worker needs to carry a load while climbing a ladder?

When a worker is climbing a ladder, it is crucial to prioritize safety and stability. Carrying a load can compromise balance and increase the risk of falling, which is why it is generally advised that workers avoid carrying any load while climbing. This practice helps maintain a firm grip on the ladder and ensures that both hands are free to grasp the rungs securely.

While asking for assistance, using a pulley system, or attempting to balance a load on one’s head may offer alternative solutions, these approaches can still introduce risks or complicate the climbing process. For example, assistance may not be available, and using a pulley system requires additional setup and may not always be practical. Balancing a load on the head is also extremely unsafe and provides no support in case of a slip.

Thus, the safest policy when climbing a ladder is to refrain from carrying any load, allowing the worker to focus entirely on maintaining stability and ensuring a safe ascent or descent.