How can users prevent falls while using an articulated ladder?

Continually facing the ladder while climbing is crucial for maintaining balance and stability. This practice allows users to keep their center of gravity over the base of the ladder, making it less likely for them to lose their footing or shift their weight unexpectedly. When climbers face the ladder, they are better positioned to grab the rungs securely and maintain a three-point contact, which is vital for safety.

Other options compromise safety; for example, avoiding ladder inspections can result in using a faulty ladder, and using the ladder outside of recommended angles can create instability. Similarly, carrying heavy tools while climbing can shift balance and increase the risk of a fall, demonstrating why it's essential to prioritize facing the ladder as a preventive measure.