Safety Awareness: Ladder Safety Month
March 01, 2019
March is known as Ladder Safety Month. Over the years, industries have seen an increase in ladder-related accidents in the workplace. These types of accidents kill an average of 3 workers every week and injure more than 50 workers every day in the United States. For the past 2 years, Ladder Safety was number 5 on OSHA’s Top 10 Violations. Ladder-related accidents can be prevented if you take the time to choose the proper ladder for the job. Always ensure that the ladder is set up properly and inspected before use.
Some additional tips to ensure ladder safety are:
- Ladder Inspection Points
- No loose, broken or missing parts
- Non-skid feet
- No wet or slippery treads or rungs
- Check ladder weight rating
- Safe Ladder Setup & Tips
- Ladder feet are on level & solid surface
- Fully extend and lock ladder
- Boundary off traffic areas & doors or use lookout
- Proper footwear, non-slip
- Second person to hold the bottom of the ladder 3-point grip on the ladder at all times
- Don't turn or lean away from the front of the ladder
- Climb slowly—keep your weight centered between side rails
- Do not stand on the top rung
- Do not carry tools or other items in your hands when climbing
- Use ladders only in the manner and purpose for which they have been designed to avoid ladder-related accidents
Additionally, follow the 3 Points of Contact rule when using a ladder. The 3 Points of Contact rule is a time-tested method that essentially instructs you to keep 3 points of contact on the ladder—two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand. This allows the worker to remain stable and reduce the chance of falling. Moving quickly while on a ladder often results in only 2-points of contact. So when climbing a ladder, make a conscious effort to keep 3 points of contact on the ladder at all times. Never carry any tools or equipment when climbing up or down the ladder as this breaks the 3 Points of Contact rule. Use a tool belt to carry tools, and if you need to carry a heavy item, use a hand line. Following the 3 Points of Contact rule can reduce your employees risk of falling, slipping or losing their balance while on a ladder. Make sure all your employees are up-to-date on ladder safety and proper climbing techniques to reduce the risk of injury.
To learn and understand more tips, visit our Online Safety Library. If you have questions or need additional help please feel free to contact our Loss Control Consultants, Jim Hallford or Scott Hunter.