 Falls are the second leading cause of all workplace injuries. You can reduce your chance of injury and falling by following ladder safety rules. Place the ladder on a solid level surface. Avoid putting the ladder on gravel or dirt, which could shift and cause the ladder to fall. Make sure both feet are planted firmly on the ground. Secure the bottom of the ladder or have someone hold it while you climb. Angle the ladder properly by using the 4-1 rule. The bottom of the ladder should be one foot away from the wall for every 4 feet the ladder rises. Make sure that both feet are securely on the surface. Don't place a block under one foot if the surface isn't level.