Ladder Safety Tips to Keep in Mind

Falling off a ladder can result in serious injury and in some cases, even death. Following all guidelines set by OSHA is the best way to protect yourself and all of your employees who need to use ladders while accessing scaffolds or other elevated platforms in the course of their work.

Climbing ladders can be dangerous. Falling off a ladder can result in serious injury or in some cases, even death. Following all guidelines set by OSHA is the best way to protect yourself and all of your employees who need to use ladders while accessing scaffolds or other elevated platforms in the course of their work. 

Use Common Sense 

The first thing to note is that common sense isn’t always so common. That said, you and all of your employees should exercise caution whenever a ladder needs to be set up. In other words, use your common sense. For instance, the top of the ladder shouldn’t be used as a step to get one level higher. Doing this increases the chances of the ladder tipping over while someone is on it. Your workers should also know when to use a ladder and when not to do so. 

Respect Ladder Limits 

In point of fact, they should know better than to disrespect the limits of the ladders that they rely on every day. The weight limitations, proper placement requirements, and how strong they are all count for something. All ladders need to be kept in prime condition as well, and not doing this can be hazardous on any job site.

Know Your Limits

You must also know your limits. If any workers get dizzy or lightheaded while climbing a ladder, do what you can to guide them back down. Vertigo and other such conditions can cause someone to fall off the ladder and sustain wounds or injuries on rebar or concrete slabs depending on where they fall. 

Propping Up Ladders

Setting up the ladder goes a long way towards determining how stable it is and thus, how safe it is to climb. Therefore, it is incumbent on you to figure out all the angles and measurements that indicate the best way to set up a ladder for whatever you need it to do. Different rules are in place for different types of ladders – for instance, consider the difference between fixed and portable models. Make all of this information available to everyone who needs to use a ladder. Prioritizing safety will help in the long run. 

Prioritize Safety with G&M Services

G&M Services is proud of our employees and the dedication they have for safety in the workplace. We reward our employees for displaying positive safety practices. We incorporate weekly and monthly discussions and meetings to ensure that all involved are aware of how to handle equipment and potential situations that could occur during a project.

G&M Services offers services in the way of concrete drilling and sawing, concrete scanning, and Firestop. To get started with us, call today at 410-787-8828 or visit our contact page. Follow the official company page today on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.