How should a person move up or down a ladder?

When moving up or down a ladder, the safest and most effective method is to face the ladder. This stance ensures that a person maintains stability and balance while using both hands to grasp the rungs securely, reducing the risk of slipping or losing footing. By facing the ladder, individuals can also better gauge their movements, ensuring that they are stepping on the correct rungs and are not misaligned, which could lead to an accident.

In contrast, facing away from the ladder compromises balance and control, making it more difficult to see where to place your feet and maintain a safe grip. Walking sideways is not recommended, as it can lead to missteps that may result in losing balance or grip. Crawling down is generally impractical and could also increase the risk of an accident due to reduced mobility and awareness of one's surroundings. Therefore, moving face-first on the ladder is the optimal method for ensuring safety during ascent and descent.