Ladders are one of the most common reasons for accidents employee injuries and deaths in both general and construction industries. According to the statistics, there were 105 deaths due to ladder imbalance and poor handling in 2020. Falls from ladders can cause serious accidents and it requires careful handling and proper training to take necessary precautionary measures.
In the OSHA regulations and policies related to violation, construction standards related to ladders are cited several times. Proper handling of ladders is a part of every safety training course where employees and organizations get knowledge about the measures to take to ensure safety. To guide you about the basic 5 rules of ladder safety in construction, check out the guide below:
5 Basic Rules for Ladder Safety in Construction Training
Here are the top five rules to understand ladder safety in construction training.
Rule # 1 - Choose the Right Ladder
When choosing a ladder you need to know which suits your job. Each ladder can handle a certain number of pounds of weight. The IAA type has the highest working load capacity which is 375 pounds. Each fader type has a different load rating. Moreover, the design of ladders varies too. The single ladders are used mostly for climbing to a certain height whereas if a task needs balancing you must pick the double-ladder style.
Rule # 2 - Inspect The Ladder Carefully
Before climbing on the ladder you must check the ladder's stability. You should know if it balances well and is firmly stable on the ground. Ensure that all the bolts and screws are tight and that there is no structural damage. Moreover, you must check that the ladder is not wet, dust-free, and clean. Dust and water can cause slips and falls. Your ladder should be placed at a distance from the electrical wiring. After using the ladders inspect if the ladder is free from structural damage. Do check if the ladder's screws are tight and it is perfectly in good condition.
Rule #3 - Take Physical Capabilities In Check
The most important aspect of ladder safety training involves employee's and worker's physical capabilities. Employees should have the ability to grip loads and balance on the ladders while climbing. The grip, walking speed, chair rising, and standing with a proper balance. The OSHA training also encourages organizations to train workers efficiently giving them a complete understanding of all the hazards.
Rule #4 - Check The Setting Before Placing The Ladder
The place where you are placing the ladder is important to inspect. It's important to check if the place or spot is safe, leveled, and firm. It should be smooth not having any stones or mud for maximum stability. The ground should not be muddy, slippery, or have too much granny sand. Once you are sure that the ground is perfect for the ladder to firmly stand, you should take the move. However, if the ground is not suitable you must use other supporters to help stabilise it. You can use anti-slip gutter guards, stabilizers, and wide boards to help maintain the balance.
Additionally, it's important to be mindful of the surroundings. The ladder should not be too close to the walls if it's a straight-single ladder. It should be slanted at an appropriate angle. The surroundings should be uncluttered and free from any obstructions. The position should be based on a 1:4 ratio – the base of the ladder is 1 meter away from the structure for every meter height of 4.
Rule #5 - Careful Load Management
Once you have inspected the ladder, and ground and positioned it appropriately, you need to learn about careful and calculated load management. You need to have a three-point contact when climbing or descending from the ladder. Have a secure handhold on the ladder, move your feet up and down slowly while being sure about your balance of that on the ladder. Never lean in or away when on the ladder as it causes instability.
The person is at the risk of falling or tripping. It can make the person imbalanced specially if he is handling a load. Most importantly, take as much load as you can handle or take one load at a time. No need to rush into completing the task and put your life in jeopardy. Be cautious and careful as slips, falls and trips from the ladder can cause bone fractures and muscle strains.
Roles Of Employers To Ensure Ladder Safety
Employers are obliged to promote a culture of workplace safety in the construction industry. Employers should guide and train about ladder safety. Bring in a toolbox and guide them about using the right tools to help secure the bolts, nuts, and screws. Every employee should learn the basics of maintaining the ladder stability.
Moreover, employers need to have a meeting session where before assigning any task they should evaluate the quality of tools used and the strength, capabilities, and understanding of the task. They should have complete knowledge about how well the employees can perform and if they are physically fit to do the task safely without putting their lives in danger. Employers need to elevate the usual ladder toolbox discussions to guide employees about necessary tools and what quick precautionary measures to take on account of falls, slips, and trips. Convert your regular toolbox discussions into an interactive concise ladder safety training that needs not more than a few minutes every day.
Wrap Up
Considering the hazards of using ladders improperly it is important to encourage employees to take online OSHA ladder safety training in the construction industry. Comparatively, it's one industry that involves climbing to heights and transporting loads even in extreme environments. Through safety training, employees can learn about all precautionary measures and possible hazards. They can learn with complete flexibility and transparency. Apart from ensuring one personal safety, it's important to stay mindful of the health and safety of co-workers. And to be able to take quick measures and intellectual approach to keep the working environment safe.
