Do you use a ladder almost every day at work? Do you realize that this could cause an injury at some point in the future?
While there is no way to guarantee that you will never be injured, there are some steps you can take to improve ladder safety on the job. Consider the following:
— Carefully inspect the ladder before using it. If there are any defects or damage, it’s best to find a replacement.
— Search for a firm location. You should never set a ladder on a sloped foundation. Doing so increases the likelihood of the ladder tipping as you climb.
— Always keep three points of contact on the ladder. For example, one hand and both feet.
— Don’t lean or stretch while on a ladder. If you stretch too far, it could lead to the ladder tipping.
— Let others know that you are using a ladder. The last thing you want is for another worker to bump the ladder while you are climbing.
These are just a few of the many things you can do to improve ladder safety on the job. By taking these steps, you decrease the likelihood of being involved in a serious accident.
Falling from a ladder can lead to a variety of injuries, including but not limited to broken bones and spinal cord trauma.
If you find yourself injured in this type of accident, receive immediate medical attention. From there, report the accident to your employer (as soon as possible) and then learn more about your legal rights.
Source: Washington State Dept. of Labor & Industries, “10 Tips for Ladder Safety,” accessed April 07, 2017