What type of footwear is recommended for ladder use?

• A. Non-slip footwear
• B. Athletic sneakers
• C. Leather dress shoes
• D. Open-toe sandals

Answer: (A)

Having proper slip-resistant footwear is essential for ladder safety because it directly affects traction on both the rungs and the ground. Shoes with non-slip soles provide grip on various surfaces and help prevent slips when the ladder is on wet, oily, or uneven ground. Athletic sneakers might offer some grip but aren’t designed for consistent ladder traction; leather dress shoes typically have slick soles that can slide on metal or rung surfaces; open-toe sandals expose the feet and provide little to no grip. Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear with clean, dry, slip-resistant soles, and tie laces to avoid snagging on rungs to support secure climbs and descents.