What can happen if a ladder is used beyond its duty rating?

Using a ladder beyond its duty rating poses significant risks, primarily because the duty rating indicates the maximum load the ladder can safely support. Exceeding this limit can compromise the structural integrity of the ladder, potentially leading to failure or collapse. Such a failure can result in falls or other serious injuries to the user. The duty rating is carefully determined based on material strength and design standards, and disregarding it compromises safety measures intended to protect users. Therefore, it’s vital to adhere to the specified duty rating to ensure a safe working environment when using ladders.