Ladders are one of the most common pieces of equipment found in any workplace setting. Yet, many do not realize the risks using a ladder may impose. It is important to remember that they are a safety hazard and should be used with extreme caution. Ladder accidents are common causes of employee injury and workers' compensation claims, especially from slips and falls! Share these 9 Tips to Promote Ladder Safety with your employees to promote safety-conscious ladder use in the workplace and prevent a possible employee injury (and a workers' compensation claim!).
9 Tips to Promote Ladder Safety
- Carefully inspect all ladders.
- Look for any defects such as cracks and rust.
- Secure all bolts and rivets.
- Remove unsafe ladders from the workplace.
- Check your ladder's safety rating.
- Make sure you use a ladder that is rated to support you and whatever you may have with you on the ladder.
- The rating should be printed on the manufacturer's label on the side of the ladder.
- Never stand on top of a ladder.
- When working around electricity, use a wooden or fiberglass ladder.
- Setting a ladder.
- Make sure the ladder's feet are set flat on the ground and the ladder has slip-resistant pads.
- Look for a safe location with a firm, level footing and rigid support for the top of the ladder.
- Be sure to set it at an angle per the manufacturer's guidance.
- Check your surroundings.
- If you need to set a ladder near a doorway, path, or near moving equipment or vehicles, use a helper to guide traffic away from you and the ladder.
- When climbing the ladder, use three points of contact.
- Always keep one hand and both feet or both hands and one foot in contact with the ladder at all times.
- Never carry any load that prevents you from using three points of contact.
- Moving on a ladder.
- Do not make any sudden moves or lean too far to the side.
- If your belt buckle is beyond the rail of the ladder, you are leaning too far — you need to descend and reposition the ladder.
- Climbing off at an upper level: Ensure the ladder extends at least three feet above the landing, and secure it to a fixed object to prevent slipping or falling.