Falls from ladders
Falls from ladders are common and costly: In one recent period, the average number of days lost from work was 37.
Description of accident
A worker was pressure-washing the exterior of a building and placed an extension ladder on top of a low-pitched shed roof to access the upper portion of the building. As the employee engaged the pressure washer, the ladder slipped and the employee fell approximately seven feet.
Although the employee landed on his feet initially, the ladder continued falling, hitting his shin and flipping the employee onto his back. The employee continued sliding down the shed roof. His belt caught on the gutter, which flipped him down another six feet, where he landed on his head and the back of his neck on concrete paving blocks.
How to prevent similar accidents
- Provide the correct height and style of ladder for the task.
- Never improvise when the correct ladder is available.
- Make sure a ladder is stable by placing the feet of the ladder on firm, even ground.
- Provide hands-on training to all employees regarding ladder selection and use.
- Update your safety policies to encompass ladder use and safety.
Other best practices
- Use a ladder of proper length to reach the working height that you need.
- Do not exceed working load maximums, and do not overload a ladder.
- Carry ladders parallel to the ground, and balance the load by holding the side rail in the middle of the ladder.
- Ensure ladders will not hit electrical wires, tree limbs, or any other overhead obstructions when extended.
- Inspect ladders frequently, and take ladders out of service when they are destroyed or damaged.
- Use the 1:4 rule - place the bottom of the ladder one foot away from the wall for every four feet that the ladder rises.
- Overlap upper and lower sections of an extension ladder to provide stability.
- Ensure ladder extends three feet higher than the roof or working surface.
- Do not climb above the third rung from the top or the point where the ladder touches the vertical support.
- Never stand on the paint shelf, spreaders, or back section of any ladder.
- Do not overreach; move the ladder to a new location when needed.
- Never use a ladder in high winds.
Safety Quiz
Between September 1 and December 1, 2005, how many claims were filed as a result of falls from ladders?
A. 34 claims
B. 68 claims
C. 111 claims
D. 187 claims
(The correct answer is C.)