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  • Ladder Safety: It is Your Responsibility to Use Ladders Safely

    Each year, there are more than a half million people treated1 and about 300 people who die1 from ladder-related injuries in the US. The estimated annual cost of ladder injuries in the US is $24 billion, including work loss, medical, legal, liability, and pain and suffering expenses1. A ladder is a simple tool that helps you reach places you cannot otherwise access. An accident involving a ladder can put you on the sideline for an extended period of time. So before you grab one and begin to climb, consider the following safety information.

    Ladder Safety Rules

    1. Always face the ladder when ascending and descending.
    2. While working, always have one hand to grasp the ladder.
    3. Never stand on the last step and the top cap of a step ladder.
    4. Do not move, shift, or extend a ladder while you are on it.
    5. Never overextend your reach.
    6. Stay aware of your actions so you do not lose your balance.

    When using a ladder, remember the acronym CLIMB.

    • C - Choose the right ladder for the task at hand.
    • L - Look for damage or missing parts.
    • I - Install the ladder on a stable and level surface.
    • M - Move carefully using the three points of contact.
    • B - Be safe and not a statistic.

    Ladder Safety Checklist

    ✓
    Select the correct ladder for the job (e.g. extension vs. stepladder)
    Inspect the ladder at the beginning of your work shift
    Install the ladder on a level surface
    Use the proper extension ladder setup angle
    Set up the ladder correctly and securely
    Use fall protection as required by the job task
    Climb and descend ladders slowly, using both hands

    Nobody wants to be a ladder-fall statistic, be laid up, not able to work, or worse. The next time you need a ladder to perform a task, keep these safety tips in mind. Your safety on a ladder starts with you!

    References

    1Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), It’s Ladder Safety Month, March 13, 2017, https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2017/03/13/ladder-safety-month/#:~:text=Each%20year%20in%20the%20U.S.,pain%20and%20suffering%20expenses1.

    Additional Resource:

    OSHA 1926.1053 Standard for Stairway and Ladder Safety https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.1053


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    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the above Tech Series article are the author’s only and provide limited information. Although the information is believed to be reliable, Brooks Equipment Company, LLC expressly disclaims any warranty with respect to the information and any liability for errors or omissions. The user of this article or the product(s) is responsible for verifying the information’s accuracy from all available sources, including the product manufacturer. The authority having jurisdiction should be contacted for code interpretations.