Homeowners, working professionals, ladder manufacturers along with government safety organizations collaborated to recognize March 2017 as National Ladder Safety Month.
Every year over 300 people die in ladder-related accidents, and thousands suffer disabling injuries, without better training and continuous innovation in safety, planning, and product design, we will continue to see far too many fatalities.
Although we are ending the month of March, it does not detract from the fact homeowners are beginning spring home improvement projects and it is the beginning of construction season.
U.S. ladder manufacturers want to emphasize the following national initiatives:
- Knowledge will help decrease the number of ladder-related injuries.
- Awareness will increase the number of people thinking safety before they use a ladder
- Understanding of a ladder’s functions will improve inspections and proper use of ladders.
Stand with your toes at your ladder’s base and extend your arms straight out. If your fingertips touch the rung nearest to your shoulder level, your ladder should be very close to the 4-to-1 angle.
Ladders are tools. Many of the basic safety rules that apply to most tools also apply to the safe use of a ladder:
- If you feel tired or dizzy, or are prone to losing your balance, stay off the ladder.
- Do not use ladders in high winds or storms.
- Wear clean slip-resistant shoes. (Preferably rubber soles, not leather).
- Before each use, inspect it! Never use ladders that are rickety or have loose or missing parts.
- The Duty Rating of the ladder should exceed your weight, tools, and all objects used on the ladder.
- The length of the ladder must be sufficient so you do not have to stand on the top rung or step.
- The ladder must be placed on firm, level, non-slippery surface (same rules apply for the top resting point). Remember the 4 to 1 ratio!
- Only one person at a time is permitted on a ladder
- Do not place a ladder in front of doors that can open toward the ladder. (lock or guard the door if necessary) Always read the safety information labels on the ladder.
- Use a tool belt so that your hands are free when climbing
- Climb slowly and avoid sudden movements;
- Never attempting to move a ladder while standing on it;
- Keep your body centered between the ladder side rails. Do not overreach or lean out while on the ladder.
When climbing a ladder, it is safest to utilize Three Points-of-Contact because it minimizes the chances of slipping and falling from the ladder. At all times during ascent, descent, and working, the climber must face the ladder and have
Two Hands and One Foot or Two Feet and One Hand
in contact with the ladder steps, rungs and/or side rails. In this way, the climber is not likely to become unstable in the event one limb slips during the climb. Carrying tools does not allow you to maintain the adequate Three Points-of-Contact with the ladder.