LADDER HEIGHT To ensure you choose the ladder best suited to your needs, follow the Werner height safety chart. The highest permitted standing level on a step ladder is two steps down from the top. A person standing higher may lose their balance and fall. A person’s maximum safe reaching height is approximately 4' higher than the height of the ladder. For example, a typical person can safely reach an 8' ceiling on a 4' ladder*. Extension Ladders Extension ladders should be 7 to 10 feet longer th