What is a critical safety measure when setting up a ladder?

Securing a ladder to a rigid support is essential for maintaining stability and preventing accidents. This safety measure ensures that the ladder does not shift or fall while someone is using it, which is crucial when working at heights. A secure ladder is less likely to slip or become unbalanced, providing a safer working environment.

While positioning the ladder on a flat surface is important for safety, it does not provide the same level of stability as securing it. Similarly, angling the ladder at 75 degrees is a standard practice for safe use, but without securing it, the ladder can still pose a significant risk if it shifts. Regarding the material of the ladder, fiberglass is advantageous for electrical work due to its non-conductive properties, but it does not directly relate to the stability of the ladder when it is set up.

Focusing on securing the ladder emphasizes the importance of safety protocols that actively decrease the likelihood of falls, which is why this measure is deemed critical.