What action should be taken if a ladder is found to be defective?

When a ladder is found to be defective, the appropriate action is to report it and remove it from service. This is essential for maintaining safety on the job site. Utilizing a defective ladder poses significant hazards, as it may collapse or fail while being used, leading to serious injuries or accidents.

By reporting the ladder and removing it from service, workers ensure that it cannot be used again until it has been adequately repaired or replaced. This proactive measure emphasizes the importance of workplace safety protocols and the responsibility of workers to prevent potential accidents. In contrast, using a defective ladder with caution, attempting to repair it without proper procedures, or repurposing it as a scaffold can introduce risks and is not aligned with safety standards and best practices.