Ladder Safety – Why take ladders seriously?
Ladders are an essential tool on many job sites and at home.
Did you know … ladders represent the bulk of exposure to falls on worksites? Interesting don’t you think. The plain old ladder has been in use for decades.
Falling from a ladder can be as painful as falling from a roof, about a third of all reported falls are falling from ladders.
So, once again why take ladders seriously.
Understanding the hazards of using a ladder, following the necessary safe work practices, and avoiding complacency can be a lifesaver.
Looking at the statistics, it is pretty scary.
On average 12 people die each year at work falling from ladders, and over 1200 suffer major injuries.
According to the World Health Organization, there are more than 164 000 emergency room required injuries and 300 fatalities. Guess what, most ladder deaths are from a fall of 3 meters or less. Seriously!!
Be “common sense smart” and prevent accidents, not cause them.
Common Sense “Smarts”
- Always wear the proper personal protective equipment.
- Don’t over-exert yourself – get help with heavy tasks.
- Don’t over-extend yourself when on ladders – and risk losing your balance.
- Always use the proper tool for the job.
- Concentrate on your work.
- Look for unsafe acts or unsafe working conditions – and then report them.
- Watch out for others – remember you are part of a team.
Common Causes of Ladder Falls
Unsafe actions when using ladders.
- Standing on the top of a ladder is a very common and deadly practice.
- Climbing up a ladder carrying tools and equipment
No inspection prior to use.
- Cracked or broken rungs, loose bolts, etc. leads to injuries.
Not using the correct ladder.
- Choosing a ladder that is too short for the job is often a huge problem that leads to injury.
- Choosing a ladder that is not stable for the ground conditions or not rated properly for the job.
What are the most common causes of a fall from a ladder?
Using defective ladders
Incorrect Use of ladders
Selecting the incorrect type of ladder for the job
Incorrect placement of ladders
Types of Ladders.
Wooden Ladder:
- Wooden ladders if they are in good condition
- Replace damaged/old wooden ladders with non-conductive ladders
Step Ladder:
- Never stand on the top two rungs of a step ladder
- A step ladder must be used with the spreaders fully opened and secured
Straight or Extension Ladders:
- If accessing an elevated surface, extend the ladder 3 rungs above the leading edge and secure the top of the ladder to prevent slipping
- Never fasten two straight ladders together unless both ladders are specifically designed to do so
Proper set up of a ladder:
- Secure or barricade the work site if in a high traffic area (doorways etc.)
- Place the ladder on a firm level surface
- Straight or extension ladders must be angled at a 4 to 1 ratio (For every 4 ft of elevation the ladder must extend 1 ft from the base)
Even though ladders are part of our everyday life it is important that we don’t take them for granted.
Remember:
Tragedies remind us that falls from ladders or roofs are serious and can be fatal.
Don’t take unnecessary chances, use the correct ladder for the job.