Ladder Safety
Ladders are a common tool used in many industries, from construction and maintenance to retail and hospitality. While ladders are essential for tasks that require reaching high places, they can also be incredibly dangerous if not used properly. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls from ladders account for over 20% of all workplace fatalities. In this blog post, we will discuss some important tips and guidelines for ladder safety that can help prevent accidents and injuries. Improper use of ladders is one of the leading causes of accidents and injuries in the U.S. For its seventh year, the American Ladder Institute (ALI) is sponsoring National Ladder Safety Month to raise awareness of ladder safety. They hope to decrease the number of ladder-related injuries and fatalities both at home and in the workplace by focusing on learning how to use this equipment safely. Use the right type of ladder for the job and maintain good climbing habits to avoid falling. Just about every business and home has a ladder. They are a quick and easy way to get up high. Many people use them to access the roof of their building or throughout the construction process and when working with utilities, but this equipment can easily lead to injury and even death when not used properly. According to the CDC, each year, around one hundred people die, and thousands more are injured from ladder-related falls. They regularly make the yearly top 10 workplace safety citations on OSHA’s list of the most hazardous work-related risks. But these deaths and accidents can easily be prevented by making sure you are using your ladder correctly. Choose Search by product name, product # Search by product name, product # Free US shipping on orders $199 or more. Learn more Home / Blog / National Ladder Safety Month National Ladder Safety Month Posted by PK Safety Team on Fri Mar 03rd, 2023 Search our Blog Improper use of ladders is one of the leading causes of accidents and injuries in the U.S. For its seventh year, the American Ladder Institute (ALI) is sponsoring National Ladder Safety Month to raise awareness of ladder safety. They hope to decrease the number of ladder-related injuries and fatalities both at home and in the workplace by focusing on learning how to use this equipment safely. Use the right type of ladder for the job and maintain good climbing habits to avoid falling. Just about every business and home has a ladder. They are a quick and easy way to get up high. Many people use them to access the roof of their building or throughout the construction process and when working with utilities, but this equipment can easily lead to injury and even death when not used properly. According to the CDC, each year, around one hundred people die, and thousands more are injured from ladder-related falls. They regularly make the yearly top 10 workplace safety citations on OSHA’s list of the most hazardous work-related risks. But these deaths and accidents can easily be prevented by making sure you are using your ladder correctly. Keep these tips in mind when scaling heights on a ladder: Choosing a Ladder Staying safe means using the right type of ladder for the job. Ladders can vary in height — anywhere from several feet to over 40 feet high. Ladders that are too short or too tall can be hazardous. Measure the maximum height of the surface area you need to reach, such as the roof or gutters of the building. You can use either a leaning extension ladder or a self-supporting step ladder. There are ladders that can be used in confined space descent and rescue like the DBI Rollgliss Synthetic Rescue Ladder or the French Creek Flexible Access Ladder. These need to be long enough to reach the When choosing an extension ladder, find a ladder that is seven to twelve feet higher than the height of the gutters or support point. Use a 16-foot ladder when trying to reach a 9-foot height. Use a 40-foot ladder to reach 28 to 31 feet off the ground. When using a step ladder, you generally need one that’s four feet shorter than the maximum height you’re trying to reach. For example, if you need to reach a level seven feet off the ground, use a ladder that’s three feet high. If you need to reach a 20-foot height, use a 16-foot ladder. The top cap should not be used as a step. Ladders can also be made of different materials, including fiberglass, wood, aluminum, steel, or polyester webbing. Fiberglass ladders tend to be the most expensive and the most reliable. They are electrically non-conductive, which means they are safe to use around electrical wires. Do not use a metal ladder when working near electrical equipment or wires to prevent electrocution. Wood ladders are also non-conductive when they are clean and dry, but they can break apart over time. The wood can chip and spread debris, making the ladder less structurally sound. Metal ladders should only be used in areas free of electrical equipment. They are lightweight, durable, and come with corrosion resistance. Confined space rescue and descent ladders that are made of webbing should be examined before each use to ensure there is no damage to the webbing or stitching. Examine the work site to make sure you are using the right ladder for the job. When using a ladder for a specific task, inspect it for damage. If any part of the ladder appears weak or loose, remove it from circulation and buy a new ladder right away. Climbing the Ladder Put the ladder in position and check to ensure it feels stable and secure before climbing. You should be wearing shoes with a firm grip and safety gloves if necessary. Inspect the steps and handles on the ladder to see if they are dry. Avoid climbing the ladder when wet to reduce your chances of slipping. The