Ladder Hazards and Unsafe Practices
Falls remain a leading cause of unintentional injury mortality nationwide.
Falls from ladders are due to unsafe practices are common and usually serious.
Among all workers, approximately 20% of all fall injuries involve ladders. However, among construction workers, well over 80% of all falls involve a ladder.
- Ladders need to be inspected by a qualified person for visible defects before each use.
- While in use, a ladder may go through conditions that may impact its integrity.
- A ladder with compromised integrity will not be safe for use.
Unsafe Practices include:
- Reaching or leaning too far rather than moving the ladder.
- Placing the ladder on boxes or pallets to gain height.
- Climbing the ladder while carrying items.
- Standing on the very top step or rung when the ladder is too short for the task.
- Placing an extension ladder at the wrong angle.
- Using a worn or damaged ladder.
- Throwing tools to a worker who is on the ladder.
- Using metal ladders in areas where it can come in contact with electrical wires.
- Exceeding the ladders weight limit.
- Placing the ladder on an uneven or unstable surface.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-2. What percentage of falls among construction workers is related to the use of ladders?
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