The top of a ladder must extend at least 3 feet above the surface or point a worker is climbing onto. This extension allows the worker to safely step off the ladder onto the upper surface and provides a handhold for stability during the transition

. Key details include:

• OSHA and safety guidelines recommend that when a ladder is used for access to an upper landing surface, it should extend 3 feet above that surface

• This applies to extension ladders and straight ladders used to reach elevated points

• The ladder should be secured or held to prevent sideways movement when being used for access

• The ladder should be set at a proper angle (about 75 degrees) for stability

Thus, the standard safe practice is to have the ladder extend at least 3 feet above the landing or surface a worker is climbing onto.