WHY DO LADDER ACCIDENTS HAPPEN?
- LADDER MOVES OR TILTS DURING CLIMBING
- UNSTABLE/SLIPPERY BASE SURFACES
- MISSTEP/SLIP OF FOOT (WATCH YOUR STEPS)
- LOSS OF BALANCE (OVERREACH)
- STRUCK BY VEHICLE OR OTHER EXTERNAL FORCE
- LACK OF TRAINING
WHY DO LADDER ACCIDENTS HAPPEN?
- Standing ladders on boxes, etc., to gain additional height
- Climbing one-handed while carrying something in the other hand
- Leaving tools on the top of the stepladder
- Throwing tools to a fellow worker on a ladder
- Placing the ladder at an improper angle
- Using metal ladders in locations where contact with electric wire is possible
- Using worn or damaged ladders
- Failure to secure (tie) the ladder in place
TO REDUCE LADDER FALL RISKS
Follow these four simple steps in Ladder Safety:
- Use the right ladder for the job
- Inspect the ladder
- Set-up the ladder properly
- Follow rules for climbing and using ladders
USE THE RIGHT LADDER FOR THE JOB
- type of activity
- work surface conditions (smooth, wet floor tiles)
- length
- no. of workers
- made (wood, metal, fiberglass)
INSPECT THE LADDER PRIOR TO USE
- no rungs missing
- rungs in good condition, no cracks, not slippery, firmly in place
- equipped with slip-resistant pads
- pulley, rope, locks and hooks function smoothly on the extension ladder
- all attachment parts are in good condition
SET UP THE LADDER PROPERLY
- barricade the area of work
- clear the area around the base
- lock or block any door that may open in the ladder
- the minimum clearing distance from overhead electrical cables is minimum of 4 meters, more is required of higher voltage
- install the ladder on a level surface
- install the ladder at a correct angle from the wall
FOLLOW RULES FOR CLIMBING AND USING LADDER
- Only use ladder for light work; the person and anything they are taking up should not exceed the highest load stated on the ladder
- Only use ladder on firm and level ground. Shiny floor surfaces can be slippery even without contamination
- Only use ladder where they will not be pushed over by other hazards such as doors or windows
- Ladders used for access to another level should be tied
- Don’t rest ladders against weak upper surfaces .alternatively, you can use effective spreader bars or effective stand offs.
