Todd Jerome Jenkins, MS, CSP, SMS, CHST, STSC

Safety Aficionado & Ph.D. Student

Weekly Safety Topic – Ladder Safety

There is no doubt that ladders are among the most commonly used pieces of equipment on the job. Sadly, they are also frequently misused, resulting in severe injuries. Many factors contribute to ladder accidents:

• Climbing or descending improperly
• Failing to secure or tie off the ladder at the top
• Using broken or damaged ladders
• Carrying objects while climbing or descending.

As a general rule, commercial ladders are made from durable materials. After being used for some time, they are sometimes damaged by rough handling, the impact of heavy objects hitting them, and other causes. Using a damaged ladder can lead to serious injury. Ensure you report damaged ladders to your supervisor and remove them from use.

FOLLOW THESE SAFETY TIPS WHEN USING LADDERS:

Ensure the correctly rated ladder is being used. The ladder should have a label with the rating and safe use instructions. Before using a ladder, check the rungs or steps to ensure they are not damaged. Check the side rails for corrosion, cracking, splinters, or other damage. Check the feet for damage. On step ladders, check the spreaders and the pully on extension ladders. Never use a step ladder to access another level.

It is essential to use ladders correctly to avoid injury. The ladder should be secured or tied off before use. While climbing or descending, always face the ladder. Make sure your body is centered between the side rails. Maintain three-point contact on a ladder by keeping two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand. Don’t carry tools and materials up or down ladders. Always use hand lines to haul them up and lower them down.

Tieing off ladders is an easy step that doesn’t require much time. The ladders should be set at a 1 to 4 pitch (1 foot out for every 4 feet). Ladders should extend 3 feet past the landing and be secure at the top.

Before using a ladder, ask yourself, “Is there a safer way to do this work?” Try using a utility (Baker) scaffold or a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP).

Ladders should always be the last resort.

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