3 Ways To Increase Your Safety On Ladders

Ladder falls are one of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) top causes for fatal construction accidents. Even though the chance of a fall goes up when you are on a ladder, there are things you can do to keep yourself safe. Here’s some ways you can facilitate your safety when you’re on a ladder.

Plan Ahead

Planning out the job that you will do on the ladder takes just a small amount of time, but it can save your life. Here are some things to consider before your next task that’s up high:

• Use the correct equipment that the job calls for, such as a specialized ladder, a scissor lift or scaffolding. Don’t make do with a convenient ladder that’s less than ideal for the job.
• Figure out what you will use to carry your tools with while you climb up the ladder.
• Never set up your ladder in the vicinity of a doorway.

Go for Stability

There are many best practices you can follow to promote stability. Here are a few tips to be more stable on a ladder:

• Choose the safest ladder to do the job that is the right size for your needs.
• Secure the base of the ladder firmly on level ground.
• Contact the ladder in three places at all times with both feet and one of your hands

Dress For Success

What you wear on the job site can impact your safety. Do yourself a favor and follow these tips:

• Wear non-slip work shoes and gloves that give you a good grip on objects.
• Keep outerwear secured on your body to avoid catching it in the ladder.
• Make sure that you’re always wearing proper head protection on the job site.

According to OSHA, two of their top 10 most frequently violated standards are fall protection and ladder use in construction. Make sure to be aware of your surroundings as they change on the construction site and cover up wall openings and floor holes so that ladders stay on solid footing.

safety on a construction site is a result of teamwork among construction employees, site owners and contracting companies.