Ensure proper use of ladders in workplaces with these ladder safety rules
Ladders are great pieces of equipment. Nearly everyone has one at home or in the workplace. However, it may pose a threat to an individual’s safety if not used correctly.
According to Safe Work Australia, ladders should be used for simple access jobs for a short duration. Otherwise, an alternative can be used in place of a ladder, such as scaffolding or an elevated work platform. But if ladders are the only option, the following ladder safety tips and precautions should be taken:
Different types of ladders have different uses. Each ladder type has a different load rating. When choosing the most suitable ladder for the job, it is important to consider the weight of the person climbing the ladder plus the weight of the tools, materials, and equipment. Below are five categories of ladders with their duty rating and weight capacity:
Ladder Type | Duty Rating | Working Load (pounds) |
|---|---|---|
IAA | Special Duty | 375 |
IA | Extra Heavy Duty | 300 |
I | Heavy Duty | 250 |
II | Medium duty | 225 |
III | Light Duty | 200 |
Over time, a ladder may acquire issues that may lead to it being unreliable. A competent person should be assigned to periodically visually inspect ladders for defects. Below are some defects you should look out for:
Structural damage, split/bent side rails, broken or loose rungs, steps, rails or braces. Other than that, loose screws, bolts, hinges, and other hardware parts
Grease, dirt, or other contaminants that can result in slips or falls.
Paint or stickers that might hide defects (Warning or safety labels not included).
If a ladder has been identified with defects, it’s best to have it repaired or replaced.
A person using a ladder should be someone who has the capability of carrying out physical tasks. Physical capability is usually measured by one’s grip strength, walking speed, chair rising, and standing balance times. Employees should train workers to recognize ladder-related hazards to minimize accidents.
Ladders should be placed on a firm and level surface for stability. The surface should be able to support the weight of the ladder and the person using it. In any case where the ground is soft, devices such as leg levelers, anti-slip gutter guards, wide boards, or stabilizers can be used.
It is important to be mindful of the surroundings when setting up a ladder. The surrounding area should be uncluttered and free of obstructions. If a ladder needs to be set up in a driveway or passageway, barriers and signage, or a person assisting should be present.
Leaning and reaching away from the ladder when on the ladder makes it unstable and puts the person on the ladder at risk of falling. To prevent falls, descend and then move the ladder.
When climbing or descending the ladder, the three points of contact should be observed for a secure handhold on the ladder. The three points of contact refer to two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand.
Always consider the load limits of the ladder in use. Carrying anything larger or heavier than what the ladder can take will make it unstable. The person on the ladder will be unable to maintain a three-point of contact, resulting in a fall and injury.
When using leaning ladders like an extension ladder, the position of the ladder should be angled at a ratio of 1:4. The base of the ladder should be 1 meter away from the structure for every 4 meters.
Remain facing the ladder while maintaining the three points of contact when descending the ladder. Do it slowly, avoiding any sudden movements.
Consider working at height and fall protection factors too to promote safety at work, as well as regular ladder safety toolbox talks.
Promoting a culture of workplace safety goes beyond simply discussing ladder safety during toolbox talks. It involves taking a holistic approach that fosters a strong sense of safety awareness among employees.
One key aspect is through specialized training on ladder safety. This empowers your workers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively mitigate hazards related to ladders. Through proper training, they’ll learn how to avoid unstable footing, improper placement of ladders, overreaching, inadequate maintenance, and more.
Elevate your usual ladder safety toolbox talk to new heights with engaging and targeted training on ladder safety. The best part is that implementing Training no longer requires you to invest a lot of your time or resources. With user-friendly tools at your disposal, you can effortlessly convert your regular toolbox talk into interactive and concise ladder safety training modules that can be completed in just minutes.
When I started at Coffey Testing we had 13 lost time injuries (LTIs) in that year, and for the last 4 years we haven’t had a single LTI because of our improved incident reporting, communication and management, which is great.
Knowing basic ladder safety is vital to protecting yourself against fatal falls and other unforeseen accidents. Using a checklist can help remind your team to follow basic safety procedures. Perform pre-start meetings and site walkthroughs to ensure that proper ladder setup and climbing methods are complied with. Above all, improve your workplace safety by making sure that all workers are going home safely.
Mitti (by SafetyCulture) is the world’s leading inspection software app which allows you to perform better ladder safety inspections, improve workplace training and identify areas for improvement. Use your mobile device to evaluate the working condition of your ladder and how it is used. Get started with these free customizable ladder safety checklists.
In this article
