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The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that over 25,000 work-related accidents each year are caused by falls from ladders. Many of these falls result in serious injuries or death. In addition to work, most of us will use ladders at home from time to time.
To prevent ladder falls, review the following DOs and DON’Ts:
DO
-
Inspect ladder before using
- Place on firm and level surface
- Store in clean dry area
- Face ladder when climbing up or down
- Use only grade #1 ladders on construction jobsites
- Keep three points of contact when on a ladder
- Maintain the ladder per manufacturer’s guidelines
- Use the correct ladder for the work performed
- Secure an extension ladder on top and bottom whenever possible
- Keep your body within the rails of the ladder while working on it
- Watch out for overhead power lines when using the ladder
- Have a second person hold the bottom of the ladder when tying it off
- Extend an extension ladder 3 feetbeyond the top surface the ladder is resting on
- Destroy the ladder if broken, worn, or damaged beyond repair.
Use fall protection if possible
DON’T
- Use a worn or damaged ladder
- Paint a wooden ladder. This covers up imperfections
- Carry tools and material up a ladder
- Use an extension ladder as a platform. A ladder is designed with a vertical, not horizontal, strength
- Use a step ladder as an extension ladder
- Over extend an extension ladder
- Have more than one person on a ladder at a time
- Use a ladder in high wind conditions
- Use a ladder on a scaffold
- Stand on the top of a step ladder
- Use a metal or aluminum ladder near electrical power lines
- Use ladder as scaffold uprights
- Use the rungs of a ladder for a winch point
- Place the top of a ladder against a flexible or unstable surface like a window or place the ladder rung against a beam
- Leave a ladder unattended for extended periods of time
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