March 29, 2022
We have touched on ladder safety handling in previous blog posts, but there is so much more to cover when it comes to this critical topic! Each year, there are more than 164,000 emergency room-treated injuries and 300 deaths in the U.S. that are caused by falls from ladders. Most ladder deaths are from falls of 10 feet or less. Falls from ladders are the leading cause of deaths on construction sites. Suffice to say, there is no such thing as overkill, when it comes to implementing and following comprehensive control measures and reducing the potential for fall-related injuries or deaths on the job.
Along with all fall protection equipment, ladders should be inspected regularly to ensure safe use.
Ladders should be inspected immediately after purchase, before and after each use, and before storing to ensure that defective or damaged ladders are removed from the work site.
When inspecting any type of ladder, look for:
- Bowing or warping. Check the rails for any twisting or distortion.
- Corrosion or rust. Check for rot in wooden ladders, and cracks in fiberglass ladders.
- Any signs of excessive wear
- Loose nails or screws
- Loose or missing rungs
- Lack of appropriate labels
- On extension ladders, check joints and locks. All parts should be lubricated appropriately.
Part of ensuring ladder safety on the job site is having a complete ladder safety policy to act as a point of reference for employees and for use during training.
A ladder safety policy should describe in detail the appropriate and expected procedures and guidelines for employees to follow when using, storing, and inspecting ladders. The policy should also state clearly the consequences of failing to comply with these procedures, as well as outline the responsibilities of both the employer and the workers, and the definition of each piece of equipment that will or could be used on the job site.
While some or perhaps all of this information may seem like common sense, the data regarding workplace injury and the incorrect use of ladders and other safety equipment should alert companies to the need for clearly outlined procedures and documentation.
Safety in the workplace is a collective responsibility.
Employers are responsible for ensuring the application of proper policy and routine training for all workers; while workers are responsible for complying with appropriate procedures and safety measures at all times.
