A fall from a ladder is only humorous in the movies. In real life, a fall from a ladder can lead to property damage, loss of income, devastating injuries and even death. While these situations can generally be prevented with some simple safety precautions, every year falls from ladders result in thousands of people being seriously injured or killed. Injuries can occur in falls of as low as one to two metres, with the degree of risk depending on a range of variables including a ladder user's age, the terrain under the ladder or if hazardous substances are spilt as a result of the fall. Any combination of these elements can lead to trouble.
Discovering a ladder fault while it is in use is not ideal. Rather a quick check of a ladder should be undertaken before each use to ensure that it is in good working condition with no warping or rust, no loose or cracked rungs or hinges; that it is fitted with non-slip safety feet in good condition, and that the ladder's height is right for the job at hand.
The following outline simple actions to help make ladder usage safer:
=> Set the ladder up on dry, firm and level ground.
=> Where possible, make sure all locks and braces are engaged - open a step ladder fully so it locks into place.
=> Check that the ladder is clear of electrical wiring and powerlines.
=> Locate the ladder in accordance with relevant safety standards.
=> Footwear should be well fitting, enclosed and slip-resistant.
=> Climb using both hands - place tools in a tool belt to keep both hands free.
=> Stay in the centre of the ladder when climbing.
=> Secure the top of an extension ladder into position before starting work.
Serious falls from ladders will generally occur when short cuts are used. Short cuts are never a good idea. The most common scenario is over-reaching, while still standing on the ladder. Another common and dangerous mistake is to let the ladder go in order to use both hands for the task being worked on. If the operator loses their footing, there's no soft landing.
Although it takes a little more time to apply safety techniques when using a ladder, these techniques can assist in eliminating the risk of a fall.
Ladder safety is not difficult, but like so many preventable accidents, it does depend on having the right attitude to safety. Just by taking some care, following simple safety guidelines and using your common sense, these unfortunate and painful situations can be massively reduced.
Author Resource:
A key component of Ladder Safety is knowing at what point the ascent should cease. For step ladders that point is on the second rung, but for an Extension Ladder it is usually on the third rung. See Lockjaw Laddergrip for more ladder safety assistance.
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