To carry a ladder safely, carry it at the midpoint over one shoulder, with the front end slightly elevated. If you want to pick fruit, trim branches, paint a ceiling, build a pergola, hang a birdhouse ...

Ladders are such a commonplace item around the jobsite and in the home that we probably don't give their use much thought. Put it up, climb up, do your job, then climb down. However, improper use of ...