Abstract: A ladder shield for use with a stepladder for blocking access to predetermined upper steps thereof comprises a first rectangular plate configured to lie flat atop the top step of a stepladder and a second rectangular plate depending from a front edge of the first plate. The second plate is integral to the first plate and extends downwardly from the first plate at the same angle as the legs supporting the steps of the stepladder so that the first and second plates are flush with the top step and step support legs, respectively. The ladder shield further includes a third plate hingedly coupled to a rear edge of the first plate for blocking access between the top step and an uppermost support strut on a second pair of support legs. The second and third plates include fasteners for removably coupling respective plates to a step and support strut, respectively. At least one fastener on the third plate defines an aperture for receiving a padlock so that the shield may be locked to the stepladder.