Step Up: Best Practices of Ladder Safety

Most accidents happen because of carelessness and lack of information. Even a simple task can become disastrous if workers are not aware of present risks. Take for example, using ladders. A very common tool in all industries, most workers take ladder safety for granted.

As a result, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA has recorded as much as 24,000 workplace injuries caused by fall from ladders and stairways. As huge as this number is, OSHA does believes that 100% of these accidents can be avoided.

So as employers and employees, what can you do to promote ladder safety? An effective way is by choosing the proper ladder type for a particular task, and by promoting its safe use. Here’s a quick list of simple ladder safety tips to minimize accidents.

Economical alternative to other warehouse ladders.

Identify the tasks at hand where workers may need safety ladders.

There are specific kinds of warehouse ladders and stepstools to suit various applications. What you need to do to ensure safety is conduct a risk assessment of the workplace where a particular ladder will be used.  Of course, potential hazards are to be taken into consideration. For example, you wouldn’t want to use a metal ladder near power lines or energized electrical machines.

Choose the right ladder type.

Like in any other job, using the right tool for the task can contribute a lot in improving safety and productivity. Below is quick rundown of what you should look for when choosing a safety ladder.

• Style – One of the main causes of ladder accidents is selecting the wrong ladder type. Before getting one, familiarize yourself with the different types available in the market to make sure you’ve exhausted all your options. Some common styles of portable ladder include step, cross-over, and rolled ladders.
• Height – To guarantee your choice will be most beneficial to your needs, follow the guidelines for proper ladder height. Don’t use a ladder that is either too short to avoid overreaching, or too long as this can put workers out of balance. Also take note of the proper angle when setting up a ladder to make sure that it is well supported.
• Material – Tough jobs need tough tools. There are rubber step tools that are suitable for slippery surfaces, steel maintenance ladders ideal for construction areas, fiberglass ladders for areas near electrical power lines, and much more. In addition to these, you might want to consider using industrial ladders with anti-skid foot pads to minimize slip risks.
• Duty Rating – Compliance and safety always go hand in hand. When considering any kind of work equipment or tool, make sure that you’re getting one that meets all OSHA and ANSI standards. These ratings cover the ladder’s strength, durability, and load capacity.

Industrial ladders suitable for various applications.

Train and work safely.

Even if you have the best and toughest ladder, using it improperly won’t save you from potential accidents and injuries. As employers, make sure to provide proper training on safe ladder use for your workers. And as employees, always follow manufacturer instructions and make it a habit to inspect the ladder before using it.

Be a lifelong climber by following these simple tips and precautions. Always remember that workplace safety is everyone’s responsibility. So step up now and do your part!

Editor’s Note: How do you stay safe when using ladders? We’d love to hear from you!