In many professions, it’s impossible for workers to completely avoid working on ladders. They may not like it, they may know that it dramatically increases the risks of a serious fall injury, but there’s no way around it. An example of this could be a roofer, a construction worker, a house painter or an electrician.
So, if workers have to use ladders, how can they do so safely? Nothing guarantees that an accident won’t happen on the job, but there are some tips that can help.
10 safety tips for workers
To get started, here are 10 important tips that will apply on most job sites. Workers should:
- Read the safety instructions on the ladder
- Inspect the ladder for damage or defects before use
- Carefully consider the angle at which the ladder is set up
- Never exceed the weight limit on the ladder
- Always keep three points of contact when climbing or descending
- Never work on a ladder with someone else at the same time
- Never try to lean to the side or move the ladder while still on it
- Carefully consider the surface the ladder has been set up on
- Not make sudden movements, instead climbing up or down carefully and deliberately
- Wear appropriate footwear, such as slip-resistant shoes
These tips can reduce the odds of a fall, but accidents do happen on the job every day. There is a reason that falls are the top cause of fatal accidents for construction workers, for instance, even when safety is a focus. Those who have been injured need to know about all of their potential options to seek workers’ comp benefits. It can help to cover medical costs, a portion of lost wages and more.
