Accidents when using a ladder
Feb 25, 2018
By: Asher Asban
This article does not provide safety advice to contractors, who must consult the relevant authorized authorities.
To access the safety and accidents section for construction sites on our website, click here
Ladders – a Significant Cause of Accidents and Falls
Ladders of various types are used for many purposes on construction sites.
In fact, almost anywhere access is occasionally required to high or low places, ladders are used.
On the other hand, ladders are a significant cause of accidents.
Falls from unstable ladders are a major cause of serious injuries. Therefore, we must be aware of the risks and take preventive measures to avoid falls.
Before using a ladder, ensure the following:
When moving or transporting the ladder, make sure there is enough clearance to prevent damage to the surroundings.
For heavy or long ladders, use additional personnel for assistance.
Inspect the ladder physically and operationally before its first use.
Visually inspect the ladder for damage or wear at the start of each workday when it will be used.
For professional-use ladders, perform the required periodic inspections.
Ensure the ladder is suitable for the type of work being performed.
Do not use a defective ladder.
Remove/clean any spills on the ladder and its parts, such as oil, mud, or wet paint.
Before using the ladder, ensure that it meets the requirements of occupational safety regulations.
Standing/placing a ladder
Position the ladder (leaning/leaning ladder) stably and correctly, and at the appropriate angle.
(For example: placing the ladder at a slope of 1:4)
On a ladder with folding steps/steps, make sure they are in the fully open position (stepping position),
A freestanding/perpendicular ladder will be open all the way.
If the ladder is equipped with locking and/or securing devices/accessories, the ladder must be secured with them before use.
The ladder will be placed on a flat and stable surface.
The ladder will be leaned against a flat, non-fragile surface, and will be secured against movement before use, by tying or other means of restraint.
Changing the position of a ladder will be done from the bottom.
When placing a ladder, check to see if it does not pose a hindrance. Whether it may be encountered, for example: pedestrians, vehicles, opening a door.
This is electrical hazards in the work area, such as: power lines above the work area, or exposure to other electrical equipment.
The ladder must stand and rest on its legs/uprights and not on the steps or the climbing paths.
Do not place a ladder on a slippery surface (such as a polished surface, a muddy surface, a surface contaminated with significant spillage). Appropriate measures must be taken to prevent the ladder from slipping (including cleaning the surface).
Do not load the ladder above the maximum allowable load.
Do not bend over the ladder; keep your body's center of gravity between the ladder beams/rails, with both feet on the same step/step while performing the work.
Do not move from a leaning ladder to a higher surface without additional protection against falling, such as an additional link to the harness, or an additional stable transition surface.
Do not use a freestanding/perpendicular ladder to move to another surface.
On a leaning ladder, do not stand/use the top three rungs. The higher a person climbs, the greater the possibility of the ladder base slipping.
On a freestanding/standing ladder, do not stand on the top two or three steps/rungs, but rather on a surface with a handrail or knee-hold.
Do not stand on the top 4 rungs of a freestanding/standing ladder extension.
An electrically insulated ladder (an electrician's ladder) should be used for work on power lines, where it is unknown whether there is an electrical current in them, or for electrical work.
Do not use the ladder in bad weather conditions outside, such as: strong winds.
Climbing and descending the ladder will be done facing the ladder, and the steps must be held firmly.
Do not use a ladder as a walkway.
Appropriate, clean shoes must be worn when climbing the ladder.
Leaning ladders used as a transition to a higher surface must be at least 1 meter above the surface.
Equipment carried when using a ladder should be lightweight and easy/convenient to carry.
On a freestanding/stand-alone ladder, work and loads that require bending/leaning to the side should be avoided, such as: drilling into walls.
A handrail must be used when working from a ladder, or alternatively other safety aids must be used.
Repairs, maintenance, storage
Repairs and maintenance will be performed by a trained worker and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Ladders will be stored in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Using the scale
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