7 Rungs of Ladder Safety

Of all the injuries that can occur on the job, ladder accidents are among the most common and the most deadly. Approximately 200 American construction workers die each year following ladder accidents, and 10,000 more are injured by serious falls from ladders. Though workers’ compensation is there to provide for medical expenses and wage loss in the face of this type of accident, it is always better to take proactive steps to prevent these types of accidents from taking place. By learning the basics of ladder safety and making sure that you’re working with the right equipment, you can go a long way towards keeping yourself and your fellow workers safe.

There are seven basic rules that anybody using a ladder should know. They are:

1. Make sure that before climbing a ladder, it extends three feet above the surface you are trying to reach.
2. Whenever possible, secure the top of the ladder.
3. When climbing a ladder, never have fewer than three points of contact, whether that is two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand.
4. Do not climb a ladder that has any rungs missing or that are broken.
5. When setting a ladder up to climb, the angle should be set so that the bottom is one foot back for every four feet that you will be climbing.
6. Whenever possible, secure the bottom of the ladder.
7. Avoid carrying tools or materials up or down a ladder, and if you need to carry materials, make sure that the ladder is rated for the weight of the climber plus the materials or tools.

Other important safety rules for ladder use include:

• Do not climb a ladder if you are feeling dizzy or fatigued
• Do not use ladders in high winds or electrical storms
• Wear slip-resistant shoes with sturdy bottoms when climbing a ladder.
• Unless a ladder is designed for more than one person, there should only be one person at a time on a ladder.
• Do not position a ladder in front of a door that can be opened towards the ladder. If a door is present, take action to block it while there is somebody on the ladder.
• Be sure to read the safety guidelines on the ladder.

If you are injured on the job in a ladder accident, the workers’ compensation attorneys at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers can make sure you get the compensation you need. Contact us today to set up a convenient appointment.