Ladder safety:
Ladders when they are commercially used need to be extra safe as or else a company can get sue for damages by the injured employee. You will be amazed to read that almost 14 deaths that occur out of a 1000 injuries recorded all are due to ladder and step-ladder related accidents. If people do not use ladders correctly and without due care then accidents is bound to happen.
The following ladder safety tips will help you understand what the prescribed format to use ladders is:
When you know for what purpose and when you will need to use the ladder you will be able to select one correctly. Every ladder is made for a particular kind of job. Once you have bought the ladder learn the right prescribed way to use it, how to maintain it and what safety measures you need to take.
Researchers have found out that the way people tend to misuse ladders at home the same is done at work too. The employer must make it a point to inform the workers about the ladder and how it needs to be used safely. Initially they might require someone to supervise them until they have got the hang of it.
Do not work when you are at a height on the ladder. Get whatever you want and then after getting it down you can work on it. This is a major reason for accidents to occur where ladders are concerned.
When you just cant avoid working at a height then you must be trained or have the expertise to judge whether a ladder or a step-ladder is suitable in that case. This can be done by using the methods of risk assessment and hierarchy of controls.
A ladder or step-ladder cannot be used for more than half an hour in one position.
Read the document carefully about the weight that the ladder can withstand. Under no circumstances should you overload it.
Do not try to reach for objects that are not within your reach. Ensure that you have fasten the belt buckle and both your feet are firmly on the rung of the ladder.
On step-ladders do not tilt to one side. This is extremely dangerous and outside the purview of ladder safety. Ensure that you have fixed the step ladder correctly with no concerns about it over tripping.
The ladder must be of the right size for the right kind of work.
Do not rest the ladder on ground that is not firm and dry.
Try and use a step ladder in the case of side work and for work that requires both your hands to be free.
When working on a ladder you must ensure that there are no live wires overhead. Make sure that the electricity has been switched off before you climb the ladder.
Before you use the ladder do a dry run to make certain that it is in workable condition.
Do not use the top two steps of step ladder as far as possible.
