One of the most common pieces of equipment in the workplace is the portable ladder. Although ladders are simple and easy to use, they are also surprisingly dangerous: Falls from ladders account for 20% of all lost workday injuries and fatalities in the general industry.
What’s the leading cause of ladder accidents? Human error.
Ladder accidents are preventable if you provide proper climber training. It’s always a good idea to conduct a toolbox talk with your workers to discuss worksite hazards before work begins. All workers should know how to set up and use ladders properly and what to do if something goes wrong. Here are basic ladder safety tips to share with your team.
Inspect Your Equipment for Damage
- Inspect your ladder before every use.
- Don’t use old, worn or damaged ladders. They could malfunction and you could be seriously injured.
- Tell your supervisor and remove damaged ladders from service (so someone else doesn’t get hurt).
Use the Right Ladder for the Job
- Select ladders of the proper height since many injuries result from using ladders too short for the task. To be safe, the top of the ladder must extend three feet beyond the roofline.
- Use a ladder designed to support your weight. All ladders have weight capacities per the manufacturer.
- Do not use a metal ladder if you’re working near power lines; use a fiberglass ladder.
Ensure Safe Ladder Placement
- Set the ladder on a firm, level surface. Don’t set ladders on boxes or barrels.
- Be sure all locks on an extension ladder are properly engaged.
- Never place the ladder in front of a door or walkway that is not locked or blocked off.
- Set the ladder at its proper angle: Its base must be a quarter of the working length of the ladder from the wall.
Use the Proper Climbing Technique
- To ensure stability, maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times. Keep two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, in contact with the ladder steps.
- Keep your body between the rails.
- Never attempt to overreach your ladder. Get off the ladder, move it, then climb back up.
- Never carry a load up the ladder that will cause you to lose your balance.
- Never stand on top of the highest rungs or the cap of a step ladder.
- Exercise caution climbing down the ladder. Missing the last step is one of the most common causes of injury.
Basic ladder safety training is vital to your workers’ protection. Remind them that although a ladder is a simple piece of equipment, they need to remain aware of its risks to stay safe and avoid injury.
