In construction settings and at home, using ladders safely can help save lives.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 150 fatalities and 20,000 non-fatal injuries occurred in the workplace in 2015. Ladders ranked 7th on the OSHA Top 10 list of most-cited violations.
But the problem may be worse than that. In a 2010 study, orthopedic surgeons estimated there were 500,000 ladder injuries in one year alone, suggesting the widespread problem is not just in the workplace.
Here are ways to stay safe using ladders:
1 Inspect the ladder before use. Ladders can get damaged and a damaged ladder is a dangerous ladder. Take it out of service.
2 Don't use a metal ladder near electrical equipment, lines or wiring.
3 Do not exceed the weight rating of a ladder.
4 Climb facing the ladder.
Maintain at least three points of contact at all times (two feet and a hand or two hands and a foot) when using a ladder.
5 Use tool belts to carry your tools rather than carrying them in your hands.
6 Avoid over-reaching. Keep the center of your body between the rails when using a ladder.
Transporting Ladders
1 Any ladder you transport must be securely fastened to your vehicle. Here are some general tips:
2 Use heavy-duty, webbed cargo tie downs that are at least 1-1/4-inches wide, with a load limit of at least 1,000 pounds and a 3,000-pound break strength.
3 Make sure your vehicle rack or anchor points are undamaged. Don't overload.
4 Secure ladder sections together so they won't unfold or extend.
5 If you're using a vehicle rack, fasten the ladder so it overhangs the rack as little as possible.
6 If you're transporting a ladder in a truck with no rack, center it in the bed with the feet against the cab and the top end resting on the raised gate. Fasten both ladder rails to anchor points in the bed. Secure on a rung outside of the bed to an anchor point, tightening the tie down to hold the ladder firmly against the cab end.
7 If the ladder extends beyond the front or rear of the vehicle, you may need to mark the overhanging end.