Working from ladders is covered by OSHA's walking and working surface safety rules. When mishandled, one of the most used working equipment in construction and industry can represent a safety concern. According to OSHA, slips, trips, and falls continue to be the leading cause of workplace accidents, accounting for over 30% of all workplace injuries.

Because ladders are so prevalent and utilized every day, sometimes many times a day, by employees to accomplish their jobs, they're often disregarded as a job site hazard. However, the more frequently a ladder is used, the greater the risk of falls or injuries. Because studies demonstrate that workers are more prone to abuse and misuse ladders in the workplace than to use them appropriately, OSHA has established ladder safety standards and regulations.

The most crucial aspect of ladder safety is understanding how to utilize a ladder safely and correctly. Most ladder mishaps may be avoided if the user is aware of the potential risks in the area.

CHOOSE THE PROPER LADDER FOR THE JOB

Legible labels on the side rail of ladders should indicate the total weight load allowed and the ladder classification, including the worker, tools, and materials permitted. In addition, the label must state the safe working height. These markings must be in place and visible, according to OSHA.

DON'T OVERREACH

Overreaching is the most prevalent safety blunder. A step ladder may collapse, or an extension ladder may slide sideways across a surface due to this. Injuries are frequently severe, and they can even be deadly. Moving a shoulder over the middle line of the ladder is referred to as overreaching.

THREE POINTS OF CONTACT SHOULD BE MAINTAINED.

When ascending and working on a ladder, three points of contact must be maintained. This entails the use of both hands and feet. A scaffold, scissor lift, or other elevated platforms should be used whenever an activity requires both hands to be free.

WHEN CLIMBING AND WORKING, FACE THE LADDER.

It's essential to keep the body-oriented toward the ladder at all times to stay balanced. Twisting, bending, and turning might lead you to lose your equilibrium and fall.

LADDERS ARE MADE TO BE USED BY ONE PERSON AT A TIME.

It's never a good idea to have more than one person on a ladder at the same time. It not only throws the ladder and the individuals on it off balance, but it also puts numerous people at risk.

Extension ladders exist in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own set of limitations. They should always extend three feet past the building's top ledge. In most cases, two employees are necessary to correctly put up the ladder. When ladders are caught in a blast of wind or snag on a tree branch, ergonomic injuries are common. For every four feet of height, the ladder's base should be one foot away from the wall. Most ladders have flats on the rungs that meet this angle, which offers the safest angle. The label should be visible on the side rail once again.

WARNING: ELECTRIC CONTACT

Use non-conductive ladders constructed of wood or fibreglass while conducting electrical work. Electrical shocks can induce or exacerbate fall injuries, and they can even result in death.

WHILE CLIMBING, KEEP YOUR HANDS FREE.

Not carried by hand, tools and equipment should be brought up on a tool belt. Tethering devices can also be used for the safe usage of portable power and hand tools at height. Not only would having your hands free, assist you to avoid falling, but it will also help you avoid being dumped from above.

REGULARLY INSPECT THE CONDITION OF THE LADDER

Damage, missing labels, and the quality of non-skid pads, hardware, locks, ropes, pulleys, and cleats should all be checked on all ladders.

GET YOUR VERTICAL LADDERS CHECKED

Depending on the environment and use circumstances, fixed vertical ladders must be thoroughly inspected regularly. The OSHA requirements for these ladders' safety equipment have recently been updated.

Inspection of ladders or ladder systems regularly can assist discover anomalies, flaws, and dangers that could jeopardize the equipment or endanger the user's safety. A Competent Person must examine ladders for obvious deficiencies on a regular basis and after any occurrence that could endanger their safe operation.

Create a Culture of Ladder Safety

Although many businesses incorporate ladder safety in their yearly safety training program, people continue to utilize ladders in dangerous ways. Safety training reinforces rules and procedures and is a vital part of any safety culture. It's also critical to check conditions at facilities and surrounding work sites regularly to verify that adequate safety precautions are followed to avoid accidents.