Most would like to reach new heights in their career, but when those heights are physical and require the use of a ladder, extra precaution is needed. Ladders are such a common tool used across construction sites, manufacturing plants, and many other work environments that their safety and sturdiness are often taken for granted. However, when used improperly, ladders can pose serious safety risks to the workers who rely on them.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ladder-related accidents resulted in approximately 615 fatal occupational injuries and over 27,000 nonfatal injuries in 2019. In many cases, these accidents could have been avoided by following some simple safety measures. This is why it is imperative for employers to ensure that all employees follow the appropriate steps to use ladders safely while performing their job functions.
“I advise policyholders during my safety visits that the risk of injury and accident increases about four times if you get off the ground, and ladders are one of the most commonly involved factors,” notes LWCC's Lead Safety Services Consultant, Richard "Rich" Perkins.
Step 1: The Right Ladder for the Job
The first step in using ladders safely is selecting the right ladder for the task at hand. OSHA regulations require that the ladder selected should be able to support the worker's weight and any other materials utilized while using it. The ladder should also be of sufficient height to reach the desired work area, and it should be placed on a level, stable surface. If a ladder is damaged or worn out, it should be taken out of service and replaced immediately.
Rich explains, “Ladders must have proper placement and utilization, but they must also be inspected for issues like proper footholds. Human factors can be the root cause of an accident, but the ladder itself can be a contributing factor as well if it has defects or isn’t properly cleaned and maintained.”
Step 2: Safe Ladder Setup
Once the correct ladder has been selected, it is essential to set it up properly. The base of the ladder should be placed on a firm, level surface, and the ladder should be angled correctly. OSHA requires that the ladder be set up at a 75-degree angle to the ground, meaning that the base of the ladder should be placed 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet of height. The ladder should be secured to the wall or another stable surface to prevent it from slipping or falling.
Step 3: Safely Climbing the Ladder
Climbing the ladder is the next step, and it should be done carefully. OSHA regulations require that workers maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times, meaning that either two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot should be in contact with the ladder at all times. Workers should also avoid carrying any materials up the ladder that could cause them to lose their balance or control.
“I always remind policyholders to be very mindful of the ‘belt buckle rule,’” says Rich. “You never want your belt buckle to be outside of the risers of the ladder or above the top rung of the ladder if it’s an A-frame.”
Step 4: Situational Awareness and Ladder Use
Finally, workers should be aware of the hazards associated with using ladders and should take necessary precautions to avoid accidents. For instance, ladders should not be placed near doorways or traffic areas where they could be knocked over. Additionally, ladders should not be used in high winds or inclement weather, as this could increase the risk of accidents.
Your Partner in Ladder Safety
LWCC always keeps the safety of Louisiana workers top-of-mind. For our policyholders, we provide extensive resources on all aspects of safety training, including those specific to ladder safety. Our offerings include the professional guidance of dedicated safety consultants, online safety training courses, on-demand safety document and video libraries, and more. No matter the safety need your company is experiencing, LWCC has the solution.
“We educate policyholders on the significance and importance of things like having the safety stickers legible and the treads clean,” says Rich. “It may sound trivial, but a lot of falls happen using ladders in the workplace, and these are the types of contributing factors that lead to accidents and could even result in fines from OSHA.”
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