One of the most common types of accidents is a ladder fall, and it can happen in all manner of industries. Workers use ladders in stores to reach high shelves. Construction workers use them every day. Warehouse workers use them when pulling orders. There are countless examples, and every one relates to a potential fall risk.
How can you make ladder use safer? Follow these safety tips:
- Focus on having three points of contact on the ladder at all times. When stepping up, for instance, your other foot and both hands should always be firmly placed.
- Never rush. Slow down and make sure you’re doing everything properly. Even a small mistake like not quite opening a folding ladder 100% of the way can lead to a fall.
- Don’t ignore the warning labels on the ladder. Read them and follow them carefully while ascending.
- Never make a ladder taller by setting it on something else, which could potentially be unstable. Instead, get the right size ladder for the job.
- Refrain to reaching out and leaning on the ladder. Keep your center of balance firmly in the middle and move the ladder if you need to.
- Check the load limit. Do not overload the ladder. In addition, don’t carry heavy items up the ladder. Not only could this overweight it, but you may also violate the three-points of contact rule noted above.
If you do all of this, while you reduce the chances of a fall, you can’t completely eliminate them. Accidents happen. Injured workers need to know what legal options they have.
