Height. It’s what makes ladders so useful and also so hazardous. Ladder-related injuries are on the rise, averaging 136,000 accidents a year. The price is also high for businesses, which shell out $70 billion annually on occupational fall-related injuries.
Ground your ladder setup and operation with these five safety tips.
- Select the Right Ladder for the JobThis includes the proper height, length and construction. Each type of ladder has its own unique set of safety procedures, which workers should follow as well.
- Ladder Setup
Use stable and level surfaces or secure the ladder to prevent accidental movement. Avoid slippery surfaces and keep the top and bottom areas of the ladder clear. - Practice Safe Climbing
Face the ladder when climbing or descending, maintaining three points of contact at all times. Refrain from carrying loads up or down the ladder that could cause a loss of balance. Finally, have a spotter holding the ladder to prevent it from shifting. - Keep Up Ladder Maintenance
Ladders should be free from oil, grease and other slipping hazards. If cracks begin to split a step, immediately fix or replace the ladder before further use. - Train Workers for Firm Footing
Most ladder accidents are the result of inattentiveness, lack of awareness or improper ladder usage. Constructing a well-designed and instructive ladder safety program can make a big difference.
Worker Compensation Packages
A detailed workers compensation package will keep your staff and business safe in the case of an accident. Read the story about how one worker overcame a chemical burn thanks to Society’s attention to detail and careful claims handling in our case study. Get all the details on how Society can help keep your business healthy by contacting your local independent Society agent.
Invest the time to rule out a preventable injury or death. Take the Ladder Safety Challenge!
