If a ladder is deemed defective, what is the appropriate action to take?

When a ladder is deemed defective, the appropriate action is to remove it from service for repair. This ensures the safety of all workers who may use the ladder in the future. A defective ladder poses significant risks, such as the potential for collapse or failure during use, which could result in serious injuries.

Taking the ladder out of service prevents anyone from inadvertently using it while in its defective condition. The next step would be to repair it properly or, if necessary, replace it entirely to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations. Additionally, addressing a defective ladder promptly allows for the identification and correction of any underlying issues that might affect its structural integrity.

Repainting a defective ladder does not address the inherent issues and could mask serious faults, while using it only for light loads does not adequately mitigate the risks associated with the ladder's defects. Informing a coworker is a step in the right direction for awareness but does not provide a solution to the problem. The best approach is always to prioritize safety and remove the defective item from use until it has been properly assessed and repaired.