Ladders are probably the most widely used tool on most job sites in this country. While ladders can be useful tools on the job, they can also kill. Employees must be taught proper safe work practices, and ensure they know these safe work practices must be followed to avoid injury or possibly even death.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of people are seriously injured as a result of failure to follow basic safe work practices when using a ladder. According to the World Health Organization, the United States leads the world in ladder deaths. 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. In addition, over 300 people die each year from improper ladder usage.
There are several reasons why people are injured or killed each year as a result of
accidents related to ladder usage. Some of the main causes include sliding of the
ladder base or the ladder itself tipping sideways. Many people also sustain back
injuries as a result of improperly carrying and setting up ladders. The key factors for safe ladder usage involve choosing the right ladder for the job, inspecting the ladder before each use, and ensuring proper set up and usage of the ladder. The following is a brief list of some items to keep in mind when using a ladder:
• Use only ladders that comply with ANSI/OSHA design standards.
• Choose the right type of ladder for the job, stepladder or straight ladder, and do
not apply more weight on the ladder than it is designed to support (including the
user, tools, and materials).
• Inspect the ladder before each use, leadership should inspect ladders as well.
• Set the ladder on a stable surface.
• Secure the ladder from movement when applicable.
• Set the ladder up using the 4-to-1 rule. For every four feet in height, set the base one foot out (see the Side View of Ladder).
• Keep the area around the top and bottom of the ladder clear of obstructions.
• Do not set up the ladder in an area such as a doorway or walkway unless barriers
protect them.
• Always face the ladder and maintain three points of contact when ascending or
descending.
• Keep your body centered between rails. Do not overreach. Read and follow the manufacturers instructions.
• Follow all safe work practices and ensure that proper safeguards are in place
when using ladders around energized electrical equipment or power lines.
Your ladder inspection checklist at the very least should contain:
General Condition:
• Loose steps or rungs
• Loose nails, screws, bolts, or other parts
• Cracked, split, or broken uprights, braces, or rungs
• Slivers on uprights, rungs, or steps
• Damaged or warn non-slip bases
Step Ladders:
• Wobbles from side strain
• Loose or bent hinge spreaders
• Broken stop or hinge spreader
• Loose hinges
• Broken, split, or worn steps
Straight Ladders:
• Loose, broken, or missing extension locks
• Defective locks that do not function properly
• Worn or rotted rope
Before introducing any ladder into the workplace check the ladder your thinking of purchasing to make sure it is safe for use, meets ANSI/OSHA standards as well as the all important UL Underwriters Laboratories.
Make sure the ladder your buying is actually designed for the kind of work your employees will be doing.
Free Training
The American Ladder Institute provides free computer-based training that any company should be using. Ladder training is available for Stepladder Safety, Articulated Ladder Safety, Mobile Ladder Safety, Single, and Extension Ladder Safety.
ANSI certification & and OSHA compliance are two different things. ANSI (American National Standards Institute) sets structural and stability standards for ladder manufacturing and provides certification requirements. OSHA, however, sets standards for workplace safety: including the proper utilization of ladders. OSHA requires ladders to be ANSI certified, but more importantly, OSHA requires the ladders to be utilized in a safe manner. An ANSI certified ladder is an OSHA violation when used improperly.
For additional information on ladder safety, visit www.OSHA.gov to review the
following standards for general industry 1910.21, 1910.26, 1010.25, as well as the
construction safety standards 1926, and 1050 - 1060.
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