Ladder safety is key! This time of year, with all the yard work we have, we might need to use a ladder more often. A ladder is a very useful tool to have. There is no special permit required to own and operate one, but does that mean that we know the correct way to use a ladder and be safe?
Its a sad fact, but 164,000 injuries are caused each year in the United States alone because of incorrectly or unsafely using a ladder. Many of these injuries have sadly been fatal, so we can clearly see how necessary it is to look at how to stay safe while using a ladder?
Safety tips to ponder:
The constant action of climbing up and down a ladder, in order to move it a fraction can be very tedious. Its an essential part of staying safe though, as overreaching on a ladder could cost you your life.
Ladder safety takes no time at all but as strange as it sounds, the majority of people who have died from falling off a ladder, did so by falling from 10 feet or less. We may feel more relaxed as we approach the bottom of a ladder, but beware of over confidence, as this is when you could be injured.
Position:
Position your ladder in a secure spot before climbing it. Even if you don’t have to go up very high, any unevenness or shaking is very dangerous.
Ladders placed in unlocked doorways are a real danger, not just for the person on the ladder, but also the one opening the door.
Whether or not you are confident on a ladder, be very careful not to skip rungs when ascending or descending the ladder. You could easily loose your balance. Always practice ladder safety!
If you would like to book your next inspection with us you can contact us here.