Abstract: A retractable safety cage is provided that occupies a minimum amount of vertical space within a manhole and which provides, in an extended position, a safety barrier surrounding the entrance to the manhole or ladder. A fixed upper periphery rail provides a substantially horizontal perimeter around the opening of the ladder. One or more floating periphery rails are suspended therefrom to provide additional perimeter blocking as well as additional support for the ladder user. The safety cage comprises two vertical members that are slideably received in a bracket that can be attached to either a ladder or a support wall. A counterbalance assists movement in the extending direction and slightly impedes movement in the retracting direction. The retractable safety cage can also be easily removed from the manhole by using a guide bracket with a coupling foot.