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SAFETY BULLETIN / July - September 2006

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Ladder Safety

Matt McCreery, Safety Specialist

More than 300,000 people fall and injure themselves each year.  On average, about 150,000 people visit the emergency-room due to ladder mishaps each year.  To help prevent these types of accidents from happening you should follow these basic guidelines for ladder safety. 

The first step to using any ladder safely is to carefully read the manufacturer's instructions.  The manufacturer's instructions contain guidelines that can help the workers use ladders more safely and effectively and also contain important guidelines for weight and height limits.

Tips to prevent ladder accidents:

• Always use a ladder that is long enough for the job at hand.

  • Size up your job and make sure you choose the right ladder for the job.

• Don't carry equipment while climbing a ladder.

  • Hoist or lift the equipment after you have climbed into place. 

• Face the ladder when climbing up and down.

  • Keep your body centered between both side rails.

• While up on the ladder, don't overextend your reach.

  • Make sure you keep your weight evenly distributed.

• Never move a ladder while standing on it.

  • Always make sure people and equipment are off the ladder before moving it. 

• Avoid electrical hazards with metal ladders.

  • If you're going to work on electrical equipment or in an area with electrical hazards, never use a metal ladder, use wood or fiberglass.

• Know your equipment.

  • Know how to evaluate the ladder for defects or damage.

• Make sure the job is within your reach.

  • Never reach too far or too high when on a ladder.

  • Avoid any shifts in your center of gravity.

• Work on stable surfaces.

  • Check any work surface before you set up your ladder.

• Secure work area from pedestrian traffic.

  • Put up barricades around the work area to prevent access to areas where there is a hazard to other people from falling objects or equipment.