4 Tips to Help Employees Stay Safe While Using Ladders

Thousands of ladder accidents happen in workplaces every year. Not only is ladder safety essential to help keep employees safe, it also helps to keep businesses running efficiently. Unsafe ladder exposures can lead to a loss of productivity, legal exposure, and reputational damage.

Here are 4 ladder safety tips that can help keep your employees safe:

1. Use the Right Ladder for the Designated Job – Make sure the ladder has the proper weight capacity and structure for the task at hand to hold you and any tools you may be using.
2. Inspect the Ladder Before Using It – Three things to check before using a ladder are damage, hardware, and the surface. If you use ladders frequently, regularly schedule inspections and maintenance of them. Look for loose rails, check that screws and bolts are secure, and make sure the ladder is free from any oil or other slippery materials.
3. Set Up and Use the Ladder Correctly – Be careful not to overreach when using the ladder. There should be three points of contact between you and the ladder, either two feet and one hand or vice versa. Plus, ensure that the ladder is set on solid, even ground, locking mechanisms are in place, and the base is secured. It is also critical to avoid carrying items up and down the ladder, when possible, to help prevent falls.
4. Train Employees on Ladder Safety – Educating your employees on proper ladder safety is an essential preventative measure for any job involving the use of a ladder. Training such as classes or flyers around jobsites could help prevent accidents, too. Employees that form ladder safety habits such as not overreaching, not carrying items up the ladder, and not using the ladder for other purposes could help make the jobsite a safer environment.

Staying proactive with ladder safety can make a big difference in the efficiency of your business and the well-being of your employees.

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