Weekly Safety Minute
Every day there are 2000 accidents involving ladders of those 2000, 100 people are hospitalized and of that 100, one is fatally injured. Over the last 10 years the amount of ladder-related injuries has increased 50%. There are four basic factors involved in ladder accidents.
Selecting the Wrong Type of Ladder:
Like most other jobs, choosing the right tool can make all of the difference when it comes to safety and this is the same for ladders. One thing to consider when selecting an appropriate ladder is the ladder’s weight capacity. Each ladder is designed to support a maximum weight limit and if the climber exceeds that limit the ladder could break and cause the user to fall or become injured.
Another consideration when selecting the appropriate ladder for a job is the necessary height of the ladder. Many injuries occur due to ladders being too short for a specific task, and instead of selecting a new ladder for the job, workers will place the ladder on something to extend its reach or will stand on the top rung to gain the necessary height. Both scenarios are extremely dangerous and can result in serious injuries.
Never use a step ladder as an extension ladder. Extension ladders must extend 3 rungs (or 3 Feet) above the landing.
Using Worn or Damaged Ladders:
Another common contributing factor to ladder accidents is the use of old, worn, or damaged ladders. Damaged ladders are extremely dangerous as they can easily break while being used and cause serious injuries.
To protect you from damaged or broken ladders make sure to thoroughly inspect each ladder before using it. If any damage is found do not use the ladder, notify your supervisor.
Incorrect Use of Ladders:
Human error is by far the leading cause of ladder accidents. Never use a ladder in any other way than what the manufacturer intended it to be used for. Also, do not lengthen or alter a ladder in any way.
While using a ladder always maintain 3 points of contact with the ladder to ensure stability. Also, never attempt to reach for something while on the ladder, it is much safer to get off the ladder, move it, and then climb back up. Remember to keep your belt buckle within the side rails of the ladder.
Incorrect Placement of Ladders:
Make sure that when positioning a ladder the ground you place it on is level and firm. Ladders should never be placed in front of a door that is not locked, blocked, or guarded.
A good practice to ensure a ladder is secure is to always have a helper support the base while a ladder is being used. If the ladder cannot be held by someone else make sure it has an appropriate foot to prevent it from slipping. The feet of the ladder can be staked if you are using a ladder outside and no one is available to support the feet of the ladder.
On step ladders ensure the locking bars are engaged. They sometimes get disengaged when dragging a ladder. This isn’t a good practice but happens on a frequent basis.
It is a good practice to maintain a 3 foot clear zone, free of slip and trip hazards at the base of ALL ladders.
Remember the belt buckle rule. Keep the center of your waist or belt buckle between the ladders rails at all times. Never reach past the rails or turn around on a on a ladder!
There are many new innovations to ladder technology available now and many more coming in the near future. If you are uncertain on what ladder you need or how to set one up safely notify your Supervisor or contact Safety Department for assistance.