Falls from ladders are among the leading causes of work-related fatal injuries in the UK. When a deadly fall does occur, it’s usually due to workers either not being aware of or disregarding crucial safety procedures when working with ladders at height.
In this blog, we'll see what bad ladder safety looks like and name five things you should avoid in order to ensure the safety of yourself and others when working with ladders.
1. Not Inspecting the Ladder Before Use
Even if you follow all necessary safety regulations and are experienced in using ladders, not thoroughly inspecting your ladder before each use can put yourself and the people around you in danger of serious injuries.
A quick check once or twice a year does not cut it! Ladders should be inspected before each and every use to ensure that there are no new cracks, dents or loose parts that could cause the ladder to fail. Additionally, a more thorough inspection should be carried out 2 to 4 times per year.
For specific inspection points and maintenance recommendations, it is also always a wise idea to check the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions.
2. Standing the Ladder on an Uneven Surface
Uneven ground is a ladder’s worst enemy. Just one wobble or slip while on a ladder could lead to some serious injuries, so it is essential that when setting up your ladder, you ensure that it is fully in contact with the floor and totally stable before you start to climb.
To lower the risk of slips and falls, make sure to double-check the feet of the ladder for any dirt or debris that could reduce the traction between the ladder and the ground. If you must place a ladder on a soft surface, you can place a sturdy board under its feet, but always make sure to check the feet are in good condition and firmly in contact with the board to avoid wobbles and falls.
Also, you should never lean your ladder against a window pane or place it on top of another object to gain additional height. Both of these placements make the ladder unstable and place you at a far higher risk of falls and injuries.
3. Overloading the Ladder
Although most ladders are pretty strong, they aren’t indestructible, and the weight limit listed in the product’s specifications should be followed accordingly.
To avoid overloading your ladder, make sure you account for both the weight of your body and the weight of any tools or equipment you will be using. Not only can carrying too much put you off-balance and lead to falls, but subjecting your ladder to too much weight can cause it to tip or even buckle, potentially leading to serious injuries.
4. Standing on the Top Three Rungs
To further avoid falls and injuries, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) recommends always maintaining three points of contact when using a ladder. This means either having two hands and one foot or one hand and two feet in contact with the ladder rungs or side rails at any time.
If you’re standing on the top three rungs of a ladder, there is not enough ladder above you to maintain a secure handhold. This is bad ladder safety as it means you will be unable to follow the ‘three points of contact’ rule, increasing your risk of losing your balance and falling.
5. Overreaching While on the Ladder
Overreaching while on a ladder is incredibly dangerous. By stretching out to one side, you are placing an uneven load on the ladder, making it more likely to tip over.
To avoid overreaching and losing your balance, always ensure your belt buckle (or navel) stays within the stiles of the ladder. If following this rule would prevent you from reaching the desired spot, get off the ladder and reposition it so that you can get the job done safely.
For more information on how to operate a ladder safely, visit our blog on essential ladder safety rules or get in touch with a member of our team today by clicking the button below.
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