A ladder should be carried by an individual with the upper rail in their hands and the bottom rail resting against their calf.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Only for short ladders

Answer: (B)

Safe ladder handling requires keeping the ladder balanced and clear of your body. Carrying a ladder with the upper rail in your hands while the bottom rail rests against your calf creates an unstable, top‑heavy setup and makes it easy to lose control. If you stumble or the ladder shifts, it can slip from your grip, swing into your leg, or drop unexpectedly, risking serious injury. A safer approach is to carry the ladder so you can see where you’re going, with your hands on the rails near the center of gravity and the load kept close to your body, avoiding contact with the leg. For longer ladders, it’s best to have another person assist.