Ladder Safety
Ladders
Meeting Objectives
To explain the proper selection, use, and maintenance of portable ladders. The result should be closer inspection of ladders and greater awareness of how to use them safely.
Suggested Materials to Have on Hand
• Portable wooden, metal, and extension ladders.
(Note: If possible, have ladders that are in poor condition as well as those that are safe so that you can point to specific examples of when to remove a ladder from use.)
Introduction/Overview
Ladders are pretty uncomplicated devices. But, unfortunately, they cause more than their share of accidents. That's not the ladders' fault. These accidents happen when people select the wrong ladder for the job, don't inspect it before using it, or get careless about how they use it.
The basics of ladder safety are a combination of a little bit of knowledge and a lot of common sense. Today we're going to go over the knowledge aspects of ladder safety so that you can apply your own common sense when you use them.
General Hazards
People often fall off ladders, resulting in injuries that can range from bruises to broken bones. Occasionally, the result is death. Falls account for almost 13 percent of workplace deaths and over 16 percent of workplace injuries, and ladders are involved in many of those accidents.
There are several potential hazards when you work with a ladder:
• Poor condition. If a ladder is missing parts or has parts that are not intact, it's not going to be able to support a person safely. Frequent inspections are a key part of ladder safety.
• Improper selection. Not every ladder is right for every use. You should be aware of a ladder's weight and height limits. It's also critically important to never use a metal ladder near live electrical wires. Since metal conducts electricity, you could be electrocuted.
• Improper use. Ladders are designed to get you to a higher level. They are not platforms, scaffolds, skids, or braces and should be used only
Meeting Objectives
To explain the proper selection, use, and maintenance of portable ladders. The result should be closer inspection of ladders and greater awareness of how to use them safely.
Suggested Materials to Have on Hand
• Portable wooden, metal, and extension ladders.
(Note: If possible, have ladders that are in poor condition as well as those that are safe so that you can point to specific examples of when to remove a ladder from use.)
Introduction/Overview
Ladders are pretty uncomplicated devices. But, unfortunately, they cause more than their share of accidents. That's not the ladders' fault. These accidents happen when people select the wrong ladder for the job, don't inspect it before using it, or get careless about how they use it.
The basics of ladder safety are a combination of a little bit of knowledge and a lot of common sense. Today we're going to go over the knowledge aspects of ladder safety so that you can apply your own common sense when you use them.
General Hazards
People often fall off ladders, resulting in injuries that can range from bruises to broken bones. Occasionally, the result is death. Falls account for almost 13 percent of workplace deaths and over 16 percent of workplace injuries, and ladders are involved in many of those accidents.
There are several potential hazards when you work with a ladder:
• Poor condition. If a ladder is missing parts or has parts that are not intact, it's not going to be able to support a person safely. Frequent inspections are a key part of ladder safety.
• Improper selection. Not every ladder is right for every use. You should be aware of a ladder's weight and height limits. It's also critically important to never use a metal ladder near live electrical wires. Since metal conducts electricity, you could be electrocuted.
• Improper use. Ladders are designed to get you to a higher level. They are not platforms, scaffolds, skids, or braces and should be used only