{"id":3107,"date":"2022-03-21T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-21T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/blog\/workplace-ladder-safety\/"},"modified":"2024-03-14T14:08:41","modified_gmt":"2024-03-14T18:08:41","slug":"workplace-ladder-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.compliancesigns.com\/blog\/workplace-ladder-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"C.L.I.M.B Your Way to Ladder Safety in the Workplace"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When it comes to workplace safety, there are some dangers that may pop into your mind immediately, like forklifts or hazardous chemicals. But all too often, it\u2019s the more mundane items that pose a more consistent threat. Ladders are a common tool found in most homes and nearly every workplace. The World Health Organization reports that the United States leads the planet in ladder accidents with 164,000 ER-treated injuries and 300 deaths annually. What\u2019s more, most ladder fatalities occur from falls of less than 10 feet. That makes workplace ladder safety a critical part of your safety program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One ladder company, Louisville Ladder<\/a>, created a clever acronym to help people remember the steps to workplace ladder safety — C.L.I.M.B. Let\u2019s take a look at these steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choose the Right Ladder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Choosing the right ladder for the job goes beyond making sure it\u2019s tall enough (although that is also very important). To make sure you have the correct ladder for the job at hand, consider these four factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Ladder style<\/strong> – There are different ladder styles designed for specific purposes. These include step ladders, extension ladders, platform ladders, and twin step ladders just to name a few. Consider what you will be doing while you are on the ladder and what kind of support and room you\u2019ll need. Choosing the right ladder style is the first step to ladder safety.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Ladder height<\/strong> – Of course this seems obvious, but sometimes it just seems easier to make do with a ladder that\u2019s a bit too short or too tall than to spend the time finding the one that\u2019s the right height. This can lead to overextending while on the ladder or placing the ladder in a bad position. Both situations are recipes for trouble.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Duty rating<\/strong> – A ladder\u2019s duty rating will tell you the maximum safe weight it can handle. Most ladders come in one of five duty ratings. When considering this, be sure to factor in the weight of any protective gear and tools that you\u2019ll have with you when you climb.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Choose the right material<\/strong> – You can find ladders made from a variety of materials such as wood, fiberglass, or aluminum. Different materials work best for different jobs. Think about proximity to electrical wires, storage conditions, humidity and other such factors and choose a ladder that is safest for your situation.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Look for Damage and Missing Parts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s easy to take your ladders for granted. But, a broken or missing rung, a crack in the base or any other seemingly minor defect could have a disastrous effect. OSHA requires that employers inspect ladders on a regular basis, but does not set a strict standard on just how often those inspections should occur. When inspecting a ladder be sure to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n