Abstract: A ladder and platform assembly is described for stabily and releasably securing a ladder to a utility pole or the like. The ladder is attched at one end to a platform and includes a pair of generally parallel, spaced apart legs and a plurality of steps disposed between and interconnected between the legs. The platform includes a latch assembly for stabilizing the platform when the platform is disposed to rest against the pole, which has a given configuration. The platform has an opening of a configuration similar to the given configuration for receiving the pole. The latch assembly includes a latch pivotally mounted on the platform to move between a first, closed position wherein the latch retains the pole within the opening and a second, closed position wherein the latch permits the pole to be received within or removed from the opening. The latch has an extended portion. A spring is attached to the latch for normally biasing the latch to the second, open position.