When you're using a ladder, safety should be your top priority at all times - including when you're climbing down the ladder.
Falls from ladders are a common cause of injury both at home and in the workplace, so don't allow yourself to become complacent. You may have finished changing that light bulb (or whatever it was you needed the ladder for) but until both of your feet are firmly on the ground, there's still a chance that you could fall and hurt yourself.
When descending a ladder, follow these tips to minimise the risk...
Face the ladder.
As you climb down the ladder, your instinct might be to twist around and look down at the ground. Try to resist that urge - it's safer to face forwards, just as you would when climbing up a ladder. Twisting your body around as you descend could cause the ladder to unbalance and topple over.
Don't rush.
So you've just finished a particularly laborious task, and now you're keen to get down from your ladder so that you can clock off and relax. It's understandable - but don't be in too much of a hurry. You should descend the ladder slowly, one step at a time, without skipping any steps or sliding down the stiles. Yes, the slow and steady approach puts a few extra seconds between you and the pub, but you won't get there at all if you have an accident and end up in A&E!
Maintain three points of contact.
Ladder safety guidance from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that you "maintain three points of contact when climbing". This advice applies whether you're climbing up or down the ladder, and the most practical way to follow it is to keep both hands on the ladder as you climb. That way, there should be at least three points of contact (two hands and one foot) between your body and the ladder at all times.
As long you descend carefully and prioritise safety over speed, you should be able to steer clear of trouble while climbing down your ladder. Click the link below for more ladder safety tips from the experts here at Ladders UK Direct.
READ MORE: Ladder Safety in the Workplace
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