Falling is the leading cause of death in the construction industry. Of those falls, about one-third of them are from ladders. While these statistics may seem frightening, these falls are preventable.
Before beginning work on a ladder, it is important to make sure proper safety precautions are being followed. If the job requires any tasks that make you feel unsafe, consider other tools to use instead of a ladder, like a scissor lift.
If working on a ladder is the best option for you, there are a number of ways to ensure your safety. Safety and Health Magazine discuss the best tips to follow when using a ladder, including:
- Ensure the base of the ladder is secured on a level surface
- Fully extend the ladder before beginning work
- Always maintain three points of contact on the ladder
- Never stand on the top rung of the ladder
Falls can always be prevented. By working smartly and following proper safety precautions, ladder use does not have to be dangerous or scary.
