You understand the dangers of using a ladder at work, but if it’s something you need to do you have no choice but to face your fears.
Despite the fact that there are risks associated with using a ladder, there are some basic steps you can take to maintain your safety and well-being. Here’s what you need to do:
- Inspect the ladder before use: Before you take your first step, inspect the ladder for damage and defects, such as rust. If anything looks out of place, find another ladder to use for the day.
- Be careful of the placement: To start, your ladder should be placed on firm and level ground. Along with this, place it as far away from pedestrian and vehicular traffic as possible.
- Maintain three points of contact: This should go without saying, but it’s one of the most important things you can do in regards to your safety. Pay attention to every move you make, always ensuring that you have two hands and one foot or one hand and two feet on the ladder at all times.
- Don’t carry heavy loads on a ladder: It sounds like a good way to work more efficiently, but a heavy load can affect your balance while pulling you off the ladder.
Even if you do your best to remain safe when using a ladder at work, it’s still possible you could suffer a serious injury in an accident.
If this happens, seek medical care, report the incident to your employer and determine if you should file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.