How many points of contact with a ladder should a worker maintain at all times?

Maintaining three points of contact while using a ladder ensures maximum stability and safety for the worker. This method typically involves two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand in contact with the ladder at all times. By having three points of contact, a worker significantly reduces the risk of losing balance and falling, allowing for safer movement when climbing or descending.

This principle is widely recognized in safety training and guidelines, emphasizing that having multiple points of contact provides a more secure grip and reduces the likelihood of accidents. For example, if a worker has two hands and one foot on the ladder, they can maintain a more stable position, and if they were to slip, they would still have an additional point of contact to prevent a fall.

In contrast, options that suggest fewer points of contact would compromise the worker's balance and increase the potential for accidents when working at heights.