One of the most dangerous things you can do is stand on the top step of a ladder. You're much more likely to lose your balance in this position, which will significantly increase the chances of falling.
Improper placement is one of the leading causes of ladder accidents. Placing a ladder on uneven or unstable ground increases the risk of it slipping or tipping over, causing you to fall. Neglecting to secure the base of the ladder further compounds this risk.
Never use a ladder in any other way than what it is intended for. Do not reach for something not within reach while at the top of the ladder, and do not climb down or up the ladder with your hands full. This is why we always have extra crewmembers on the job to help assist and provide the safest jobsite possible.
Height. A common mistake is thinking your ladder will reach higher than it does. Your needed reach height determines the right ladder size.
Fiberglass or plastic ladders should be inspected for the following elements as well: cracks, chips and splinters. deformed rails or rungs from heat, chemical or environmental exposure. bends and breaks.
The 3 points-of-contact is a method where the climber faces the center of the ladder and has either two hands and one foot, or one hand and two feet on the ladder at all times. This provides a safe stance in the case one limb loses contact with the ladder.
Many ladder accidents result from using ladders too short for the job. Never place the ladder on something to extend its reach or stand on the top rung of the ladder—doing so increases the chance of falling and sustaining injuries. A common factor causing ladder accident injuries is using old, worn or damaged ladders.
keep your body centered between the rails at all times. Do not lean too far to the side while working; and. utilize at least three points of contact, because this minimizes the chances of slipping and falling from the ladder.
The base of the ladder should be placed so that it is one foot away from the building for every four feet of hight to where the ladder rests against the building. This is known as the 4 to 1 rule.
Always grip the ladder and face the ladder rungs while climbing or descending – don't slide down the stiles. Don't try to move or extend the ladder while standing on the rungs. Don't work off the top three rungs. Try to make sure that the ladder extends at least 1 metre or three rungs above where you are working.
Leaning while using a ladder is a common unsafe behavior that can lead to the ladder tipping over or the employee falling from it. Employees will often choose to lean to access the area they are working at instead of getting down to move the ladder to the proper location.
Tag and take out of service any ladder that is has defects, or is broken or bent. Destroy ladders that cannot be repaired safely by a person authorized by the manufacturer.
Common Hazards
Reaching or leaning too far rather than moving the ladder. Placing the ladder on boxes or pallets to gain height. Climbing the ladder while carrying items. Standing on the very top step or rung when the ladder is too short for the task.
Common Causes of Falling Down Stairs
A loose or broken handrail. No handrails present on the stairs at all. Broken stairs or stair treads. Torn, loose, or otherwise adjusted carpet.
What is the 4-1 Rule for Ladders? The base of your ladder should extend 1 foot for every 4 feet of height between the working surface and the point of contact. When done correctly, the ladder will meet the ground at a 75-degree angle.
If you or someone you care about suffers from asthma, it can really pay to be aware of the 4-4-4 rule in an emergency. If someone is experiencing an asthma attack, help them sit upright and take 4 separate puffs from their quick-relief inhaler.
Extension ladders must be placed at the proper angle. Use a 4:1 ratio for setting ladders (approximately 75 degrees) - for every four feet in height, the base of the ladder should be moved one foot out from the wall or structure.
Improper Ladder Usage:
This means that workers should always have two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, in contact with the ladder at all times when climbing or descending.
In about 40% of cases, the cause of the ladder-related injury is a ladder sliding out at the base from an incorrect set up angle. Set up extension ladders at about a 75-degree angle.
While origins of this myth vary depending on the culture, the most accepted version is that ladders were thought to resemble gallows in medieval times. Therefore, if you walked under a ladder, you would be destined for the gallows yourself.
Avoid tipping the ladder over sideways or causing the ladder base to slide out. Carry tools in a tool belt or raise tools up using a hand line. Never carry tools in your hands while climbing up/down a ladder. Extend the top of the ladder three feet above the landing.
Don't work off the top 3 rungs. The ladder should extend 1m or 3 rungs beyond the work or access point. You need to use both hands when climbing or descending ladders and so you should always have a secure handhold available when using a ladder.
Each year in the U.S., more than 500,000 people are treated1 and about 300 people die2 from ladder-related injuries.