Ladders

Scott Asprey, RIBA safety educator

Ladders, we use then all the time!

Short ones, long ones, self-supporting types. We use them for picking fruit, getting on roofs and many more household chores. But are you using the right ladder for the job?

It would seem not. OSHA estimates that there are over 25,000 injuries (more than half requiring time away from a job) or deaths each year from ladder use.

So, what are some solutions to this problem?

Use the correct ladder; don't be lazy. Get down and get the right one for the job.

Make sure its high enough to access the upper landing; three feet and three feet is ``NOT`` three rungs 1926.1053 (b)(1)and (b) 5(i).

The spacing between rungs can be 10, 12 and 14 inches if you’re not 3 feet or in violation.

The top and last steps of step ladder are not to be used on a step ladder; ``DO NOT STAND ON OR ABOVE THE LAST STEP.``

Enlist a competent person to inspect ladders before use and if some are defective mark and remove them immediately.

If an employee is seen or found not using a ladder as it’s designed, that employee should be refrained from using ladders until properly retrained 1926.1060(a) and (b).

The bottom line is that each employer must provide proper training to all employees to understand and recognize hazards related to use of ladders. Anytime someone is hurt, it’s lost time to you and to their family. And remember, that long-term it’s costlier to train and find a replacement.