Ladder Safety

The following tips aren’t about anything as exotic as mountain climbing - they’re about safely working with ladders, whether at work or at home. Did you know that according to the Compliance Resource Center, “the number of nonfatal ladder injuries treated in emergency rooms jumped by 50 percent between 1990 and 2005?" By 2006, ladder safety was the 10th most frequently cited employer safety violation by OSHA. This year it is number 7. That translates into 164,000 emergency-room visits and worse, 300 deaths each year resulting from accidents while using a ladder (University of Missouri).

You may also be surprised to learn that 97% of ladder accidents occurred at home, not at work, so the following tips apply no matter where you are using a ladder.

There are two kinds of ladders in common use, stepladders and extension ladders. Regardless of type, you should always inspect the ladder before you use it. Make sure that all the rungs are secure and all the hardware is in place. Also, make sure there’s nothing slippery, like oil or grease, on any part of the ladder. Know what weight the ladder can handle, and don’t exceed that weight, including any tools you may be carrying. (You’re wearing a tool belt instead of carrying tools in your hand, right?)

Before you set up your ladder, look around. Is there anything hazardous in the area, such as electric wires or overhead power lines? If so, avoid using a metal ladder and be careful to stay away from the wires. Place the ladder with the feet securely on the ground or floor. Never lean a folded stepladder on a wall and use it like an extension ladder.

Unfold the stepladder and make sure the hinges extend all the way down to lock the two sides in place. Don’t climb any higher than the second rung from the top, and use both hands to hold on as you climb. Never stand on the topmost step. Always face the ladder as you go up or down the rungs.

Extension ladders, because they are longer, need additional cautions. Follow the OSHA 1:4 rule when using an extension ladder: the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder should be about 1/4 the working length from the ground to the top support. If you are using a ladder made on the job, use half that amount (1/8 the working length.) Make sure the locks engage when you extend the ladder.

Stay in the center of the ladder as you climb and work. If your buckle passes beyond the ladder rail, you are overreaching and at risk for falling. Don’t stand higher than the 4th rung from the top. Extend the ladder so that it reaches about 3 feet higher than the roof or surface you are working on. When possible, secure the top of the ladder to the work surface. Never place a ladder on boxes or any other unstable base!

At work, a ladder should be secured to prevent anyone from knocking it over. When possible, place a barricade around the work area to keep all traffic a safe distance away.

Common sense, and a little caution, can help keep you off OSHA’s “top ten” list.