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Mastering Ladder Safety for a Safer Workplace

Man carrying ladder in high vis jacket representing importance of ladder safety.

Working at height is a leading cause of workplace fatalities and serious injuries, with the most common occurrences being falls from ladders and through fragile surfaces. By following some basic ladder safety rules for ladder use, these accidents can be reduced.

When using a ladder, consider the following:

Is it the right ladder for the job?

It is important to choose a ladder that is long enough and has a sufficient load capacity for the job, taking into account the weight of the user as well as the weight of any equipment, tools, and materials. The ladder should be long enough to work from without using the top 3 rungs.

Have you checked the condition of the ladder?

Before using the ladder, you should check all fastenings such as bolts, screws and hinges, look for any visible damage, check that all rungs are present and secure and make sure that the ladder has non-slip base pads. You should also check for substances such as oil, paint, water or dirt that could cause the user to lose their grip or footing. If you have any concerns at all, do not use the ladder; inform your supervisor immediately.

Have you checked the positioning of the ladder?

Make sure the ladder is stable, placed securely on a level surface and away from any electrical wiring or overhead power lines, doors that open towards you, or other hazards. The area around the ladder should be free of clutter and other equipment.

A straight ladder should be set up using the four-to-one ratio rule; this means that for every 4 feet of height to the point of support, the base should be 1 foot away from the wall or vertical surface. You can estimate this by counting rungs, which are about a foot apart.

If you are working in a high-traffic area, place a barricade around the base to prevent knocks. If you are using a stepladder, it must be fully opened before use. When climbing onto a raised surface such as a roof or platform from a ladder, the ladder must extend at least 3 feet above the roof line and be tied off at the top.

Are you using the ladder carefully and safely?

You should face the ladder, stay near the middle and hold onto the side rails with at least one hand when climbing or descending, keeping at least three points of contact on the ladder. Do not lean outside the ladder rails or stand on the top step. Any tools should be carried on a belt or hoist.

Ladder Safety: Keep Your Team Safe

Discover how our health & safety and training solutions can significantly reduce workplace accidents caused by falls from heights. Discover which training courses are suitable for your business in our latest blog. Training Courses for Safe Work at Height: Which is Right for Your Business?

Our Health & Safety team at healthandsafety@skaltd.co.uk is ready to collaborate with you, offering expert guidance on Health & Safety Audits tailored to your needs. Elevate your workforce's safety skills through our range of training programs – Reach out to our training team at training@skaltd.co.uk

Don't wait until it's too late – take proactive steps to protect your team and your business.

Disclaimer

The information and any commentary contained within these updates are for general information purposes only and do not constitute legal or any other type of professional advice. Stallard Kane does not accept and, to the extent permitted by law, exclude liability to any person for any loss which may arise from relying upon or otherwise using the information contained in these blogs. If you have a particular query or issue, you are strongly advised to obtain specific, personal advice about your issue and not to rely solely on the information or comments in these updates.
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