Each year in the United States, more than 500,000 people are treated in emergency rooms and hospitals for ladder-related injuries*. Most of these incidents involve a ladder being used incorrectly or inappropriately. Workers have suffered dislocations, head injuries, and broken bones as a result.
People working in construction, retail, and building maintenance are most commonly injured, but anyone using a ladder is at risk. Ignoring ladder safety not only leads to injuries, but it can also cost businesses millions of dollars every year.
If a ladder must be used, be sure to avoid electrical hazards and look for overhead power lines before handling the ladder. Always consider alternatives to a ladder such as scaffolding and elevated work platforms such as a scissor lift, a boom, or a knuckle boom.
Choose the right ladder before getting started on a project. It should be designed for the work at hand. An A-frame or an extension ladder may be appropriate for most tasks, but a platform ladder could be safer.
Always inspect a ladder before using it. If damage is found, do not use it. Use a ladder on a flat, stable surface. And, always maintain a 3-point (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) contact on the ladder when climbing. Keep the body near the middle of the step and always face the ladder while climbing.
Only small items should be taken up or down a ladder (never transport large or bulky items such as building materials up or down a ladder). The weight of the person using the ladder and the materials that need to be carried up and down, should not exceed the working load of the ladder.
Whether you need a ladder, scaffolding, aerial work platform, or boom lift, Talisman Rentals offers a wide range of quality equipment, prices to suit your budget, and quick deliveries to meet your deadlines. If you are planning your next project, give us a call to find out how we can help.
*https:/www.ishn.com/articles/106830-000-falls-from-ladders-annually-97-percent-occur-at-home-or-on-farms
