Over 65,000 people visit Emergency Rooms every year because of ladder related injuries. This is an important but often misused tool. Whether you are using it to hang Christmas lights on your home, or install that new ceiling fan in the dining room, you should be very cautious to make sure that you are using a ladder safely so that you can avoid unnecessary injuries.

1. Make sure that you only use it on a level surface. This can be especially difficult if you are outside on grass or dirt. You can use a level from your tool box to check out how even it is. If it is not, you can try to move it to a more ideal location, or you can find a ladder that has leg extenders that can be adjusted individually so that you can make the sides even.

2. If the ground is too soft, the legs can sink under your weight and cause you to fall unexpectedly. Put a large board under the legs to give it more support and stability.

3. Before you begin any project, before you even attempt to step on the first rung, you should check the ladder for any condition issues that may cause problems. Check for rot or rust on the rungs and cracks anywhere. If it is wooden, check for splinters. If it is metal, make sure that the rubber feet are intact and not decayed.

4. Not to call upon superstitions, but you should never walk under a ladder-especially if someone is on it. Not only can they fall on top of you accidentally, but you could also startle them, causing them to fall.

5. The 1:4 rule: Any time you are working on a roof or any other elevated surface, you should put the feet of a straight or extension ladder 1 foot away from the base for every 4 feet you go up. So, if you are working on a 12-foot roof, you should have the feet positioned 3 feet away from the base of the building.

6. The 3 foot rule: The top of the ladder should extend 3 feet beyond the top of whatever you are working on. This is to allow for maneuvering room.

7. Make sure any hinges do not pinch you when you are opening and closing it.

8. Do not leave the ladder unattended especially if children are in the area.

9. Dont put it in front of a door unless the door is locked or barred to prevent entry.

10. Make sure you use the right size and style for the type of job that you are doing.