Ladder safety

It seems so simple to climb a ladder, but falls from ladders result in broken bones and more disabling conditions that cost American businesses $4.6 billion per year, with increased costs from absenteeism and worker replacement.

Establishing a ladder safety program for employees is the best way to prevent accidents. The programs should teach workers to:

* Select the right ladder for the job – determine whether a step ladder or straight ladder is needed and check ladder capacity and strength
* Inspect the ladder – look for damaged rungs and side rails, check the ropes and pulleys
* Set up the ladder properly – place ladder on a solid, level surface, secure the base, support the ladder on top and check ladder angle
* Lift equipment and materials with a rope, don’t carry them up the ladder with one hand
* Use safe climbing techniques – face the ladder, use both hands while climbing, keep two hands and one foot or one hand and two feet on the ladder at all times, stay off the top two rungs of a straight ladder or the top step and cap of a step ladder