Abstract: A ladder climbing safety clamp is claimed that may be easily operated by a worker with one hand while overcoming many potential safety hazards of prior devices. The safety clamp includes a body with a U-shaped cable sleeve. A channel is included on one side of the body to permit the introduction of the safety line in the cable sleeve. However, if the cable is too large to operate properly with the safety clamp, it will not fit through the channel, thereby helping to prevent inadvertent usage of the safety clamp with a cable of a diameter for which it is not intended. A gravity stop is also provided to prevent the safety clamp from being inadvertently installed in an upside-down position, since the safety clamp would not operate correctly in that position.