What should be done with a ladder that shows signs of significant wear?

Repairing a ladder that shows signs of significant wear is essential to ensure safety during its use. A ladder with wear can compromise its structural integrity and increase the risk of accidents, which could lead to serious injuries. Addressing the wear through repair can involve tightening loose parts, replacing damaged components, or reinforcing weakened areas, which all contribute to restoring the ladder's functionality and safety standards.

Other options do not adequately address the safety concerns associated with using compromised equipment. Repainting a ladder might make it look better superficially, but it does nothing to fix any structural issues related to wear and can give a false sense of security. Leaving a damaged ladder in service until a later time also exposes users to potential hazards. Discarding it outright, while it may seem prudent in some instances, does not take into account the possibility of repair which could extend the ladder's usability and prevent unnecessary waste.