Using a ladder improperly can be deadly. Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry; falling from a ladder leads to thousands of injuries each year.
March is National Ladder Safety Month, designed to promote awareness of safe ladder practices. Keeping key ladder safety tips top of mind can help protect you and those around you, even if you don’t work on or around ladders regularly.
OSHA Ladder Safety Tips
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers the following ladder safety guidelines to keep in mind when you’re using a ladder.
Maintain Contact
Always keep 3-point contact on the ladder as you’re climbing – two hands and a foot, or two feet and hand. Keep your body near the middle of the step and face the ladder as you’re climbing.
Proper Use
Read and follow all ladder labels. Only use ladders and accessories like ladder levelers, jacks, or hooks for their intended purpose. Don’t use the top step/rung as a step/rung unless it was designed for that purpose.
Never exceed the maximum load rating of a ladder. Make sure to consider the weight of any tools or equipment as well as your weight in relation to the load rating. Don’t move or shift a ladder while a person or equipment is on the ladder.
Inspect Before You Step
Check the ladder carefully before using it; if damaged, remove it from service until it can be repaired or disposed of. Look for overhead power lines before handling a ladder. Don’t use a metal ladder near power lines or exposed electrical equipment that is energized.
Make sure there’s no slippery material on the ladder’s rungs, steps, or feet. Only use the ladder on a level, stable surface, unless it’s been properly secured to prevent displacement. Ensure that all locks on an extension ladder are engaged before using.
Safety First
The correct angle for ladder set up is to place the base a quarter of the working length of the ladder away from the wall or other vertical surface. If the ladder is a location where it could be moved by other work activities, it must be secured to prevent displacement or you must add a barricade to keep traffic away from the ladder.
If you’re accessing an elevated surface with an extension or straight ladder, it needs to extend at least three feet above the support point. Don’t stand on the top three rungs or a straight, single, or extension ladder.
Looking for More Ways to Prevent Ladder-Related Accidents?
Check out OSHA Education Center, which offers online ladder safety training courses for workers in both construction and general industry roles.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
