What should be done if a straight ladder is too steep?

The appropriate action to take when a straight ladder is too steep is to increase the base distance from the wall or the surface it is resting against. This adjustment helps establish a safer angle for the ladder, which should typically be set at about a 75-degree angle. When the base of the ladder is positioned too close to the wall, it can create an unstable situation, increasing the risk of a fall. By moving the base of the ladder further away, you ensure that the ladder provides better stability and support for the person using it, making it safer to climb and work at height.

In contrast, decreasing the working height may not always be practical or safe, and using a shorter ladder does not address the fundamental issue of the ladder's angle and can still lead to unsafe positioning. Thus, increasing the base distance is the most effective solution to correct a steep ladder angle.