How should ladders be positioned to ensure safety?

Positioning ladders at a 45-degree angle is crucial for ensuring safety while using them. This angle provides a stable base that minimizes the risk of the ladder tipping over or sliding out from under the user. A 45-degree angle helps distribute the weight of the person on the ladder evenly, thereby enhancing stability.

Additionally, this angle allows for adequate reach and easy access to the work area, while also enabling the user to maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) while climbing, which further enhances safety.

In contrast, positioning a ladder vertically against the wall can lead to a higher risk of slipping since there is no angle to stabilize it effectively. A flat ladder on the ground lacks the elevation necessary for reaching heights, and positioning a ladder at a steep angle increases the chances of losing balance or causing the ladder to fall. Thus, maintaining that 45-degree angle is essential for safe ladder usage in construction and other applications that require working at heights.