Ladder Safety Month

One of the most common mistakes made by ladder users is choosing the wrong ladder for the job.

Here are some things to consider:

• Consider your work environment when choosing your ladder.

 For example, if you’re working near sources of electricity, do not use a metal/aluminum ladder.  Evaluate the surface on which the ladder will be resting. Is it uneven? Consider if there are any obstructions in the path of the climb. 

• Consider the length of ladder you need.

 It is unsafe to use a ladder that is too long or too short. When using a step ladder, for example, it is unsafe to stand on the top cap as it increases the likelihood of losing your balance. Likewise, when using an extension ladder, the top three rungs are not to be used for climbing. An extension ladder is too long if it extends more than 3 feet beyond the upper support point, as it can act like a lever and cause the base of the ladder to move or slide out.

 Remember: The advertised height of the ladder is the total length of the side rails. This does not take  into account the reduced height due to the set up angles, or steps or rungs not suitable for standing or working from, and in the case of an extension ladder, the overlap between the sections.

• Pay attention to the Duty Rating of your ladder.

 The Duty Rating is the total amount of weight your ladder will support. A taller ladder does not equate to a higher weight rating.

Here is a simple calculation for determining the Duty Rating needed for the job at hand:

Your weight + Weight of your  protective clothing & equipment +Weight of your tools & supplies being used   = Duty Rating

Safety Before the First Step

Are you taking the time to properly inspect your ladders before starting to work? A thorough inspection must be made when the ladder is initially purchased and each time it is placed into service. Here are a few reminders of what you should be inspecting:

• Locks and spreader braces

• Steps and rungs

• Rails

• Connections and fasteners

• Safety shoes

• Ropes and pulleys

Here are some steps to follow before taking your first step onto the ladder:

• Thoroughly inspect the ladder to ensure it is in good working condition.

• Clean the ladder feet as well as the climbing and gripping surfaces.

• Read the safety information label(s) on the ladder.

• Confirm that the ground where the ladder is set-up is firm and level,  or use approved accessories, such as ladder levelers.

• Ensure that any surrounding doors are blocked from opening,  locked or properly guarded.

• If you’re using a ladder outdoors, ensure that the weather is safe for ladder use.

• Clean the soles of your shoes to maximize traction and avoid slipping.

• Ensure that you are not tired, dizzy or prone to losing your balance before using the ladder.

• Use towlines, a tool belt or an assistant to carry materials so that your hands are free  when climbing

Factors that contribute to falls from ladders include:

• Haste or sudden movement

• Overreaching

• Lack of attention

• Improper climbing posture, such as standing  too high or straddling the ladder

• Carrying objects and not maintaining three points of contact

Practice safe climbing by:

• Being attentive to what you are doing and your surroundings.

• Using towlines, a tool belt or an assistant to convey materials so that your hands are free when climbing.

• Climbing slowly and deliberately while avoiding sudden movements.

• Never attempting to move a ladder while standing on it.

• Keeping the center of your stomach between the ladder side rails when climbing (and while working).

•  Do not overreach or lean while working so that you don’t fall off the ladder sideways or pull the ladder over sideways while standing on it.

The Three Points of Contact Rule

The Three Points of Contact Rule minimizes the chance of slipping and falling from the ladder.

The climber should face the ladder and have two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand in contact with the ladder at all times

Just as it’s important to pay attention while climbing and descending a ladder, it is important to follow safety rules while working on the ladder

Don’t stand on the top step or top cap.

If you feel the need to stand on the top cap of your ladder to reach your project, you are not using the right ladder for the job. Standing on the top step, top cap, or straddling the top of the ladder is very dangerous and can easily lead to a loss of balance.

One of the most common mistakes made by ladder users is choosing the wrong ladder for the job. You should always consider the length of the ladder you need for each job. It is unsafe to use a ladder that is too long or too short.

• Maintain Three Points of Contact.

When working at the top of a ladder — just as you do when you are climbing — it is important to maintain three points of contact with the ladder. When working, this typically means having both feet firmly planted on the ladder, with a hand or your knees resting on the ladder for stability.

• Don’t overreach.

When you don’t maintain three points of contact, you are more likely to overreach. When you overreach, your ladder is more likely to lose balance. You should always keep the center of your stomach between the ladder side rails.

Do you know how much ladder accidents are costing you?

• $17.1 billion spent on workplace falls from working at heights*

• Top 3:  Falls are in the top 3 most common disabling workplace injury*

• Ladders are # 6 on OSHA’s Top 10 Most Cited Violations list.

Don’t fall victim to common mistakes. Make sure you know the do’s and don’ts of ladder safety.**

X  “My weight hasn’t changed in years: I don’t need to worry about the ladder’s weight rating.”

✔”Weight rating is the combined weight of the climber and whatever the climber is carrying. Do not forget to account for equipment or accessories when selecting a ladder with the proper weight rating.

X “I have some heavy items that I’ll be carrying as I climb this ladder. Let me get a taller one to carry the load.”

✔ Don’t forget! A taller ladder does NOT equate to a higher weight rating. To ensure that you are using the right ladder for the job, make sure that you are taking into account the Duty Rating for your ladder. The Duty Rating is the total amount of weight your ladder will support. Here is the simple calculation for determining the Duty Rating needed for the job at hand:

• Your weight, plus:

• The weight of your clothing and protective equipment

• The weight of tools and supplies you are using

X “I don’t work at high heights; I don’t need to worry about ladder and fall safety. 

✔ More often than not, ladder injures are caused by people using them incorrectly. 

Sources

*Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index” - United States, 2018, Liberty Mutual