National Ladder Safety
Ladders at home are not inherently safer than those at the workplace. In fact, they are more likely to be less safe as they do not have the same rigorous inspection schedule or procedures for use. Let’s be honest, when we need to use a ladder at home we simply grab it and go. Falls account for 25% of accidental deaths in homes and that count is increasing. This year, we can begin to make a positive impact on this terrible trend and on the lives of our family, friends, and community by implementing ladder safety at home through inspections and proper use.
Spring is here, and with it comes the beginning of home maintenance season. Ladders will be in use outdoors as gutters are cleaned, trees are pruned, and houses are painted.
In 2021, there were 113,500 preventable injury related deaths in homes throughout the United States. Nearly one quarter of those were related to accidental falls.
Let's Begin to Take Steps to Prevent These Incidents.
Proper Use:
When using a ladder at home, follow these rules to assure you are using the ladder properly:
- - Keep both hands empty when climbing up or down a ladder
- - Always place the ladder on a firm, level surface with a secure footing
- - Do not "over reach" when elevated, instead move the ladder when needed
- - When placing your ladder, do not place it in front of doors or gate openings
- - Always face the ladder when climbing up or down. Keep your body centered between the rails. Always maintain 3 points of control
Ladder Inspections:
Before putting the ladder to use, take the time to inspect it. Check for the following conditions:
- - Overall general condition to detect signs of rust, corrosion, damage or wear
- - Make sure the hardware is not loose, missing, corroded, damaged, or altered
- - Check that the spreader braces are not loose, bent, or will not lock into place
- - Steps and rungs are not loose, cracked, split, missing, or bent
- - Check the top and side rails (front and back) to make sure they are not cracked, bent, split, or uneven
