According to the CDC, in the first 10 years of this century (2000 to 2009), falls from ladders accounted for approximately 43% of all fatal falls. Additionally, ladders were involved in 81% of all treated fall injuries in construction workers. Ladders were also no. 7 in OSHA’s top 10 most frequently cited violations in the workplace in 2015.
Since ladder safety begins with the ladder, these safety measures are critical.
Important Ladder Safety Measures
Under OSHA’s regulations, the following measures need to be taken regarding proper use of ladders in the workplace:
- Ladders should be inspected regularly for defective, cracked, or broken parts.
- Use ladders that are in compliance with OSHA standards.
- Weight limits are extremely important. Only the amount of weight the ladder was designed to support should be applied – no more.
- Portable ladders should be safely positioned each time they are used.
Additional important ladder safety precautions include:
Know and understand the importance of numbers
Angles and measurements are critical when it comes to ladders. For example, setting up a ladder too close to a building or failing to note the minimum clear distance between side rungs can be a costly mistake.
Pitch needs to be perfect
One important calculation from OSHA Ladder Standards (1926.1053(b)(5)(iii)) is that fixed ladders should be used at a pitch no greater than 90 degrees from the horizontal, as measured to the back side of the ladder.
Flush is always royal
With fixed ladders, the top rung must be flush/level with the walking/working surface, such as the roof or, if applicable, platform.
FIXFAST’s KATTCLIMB Modular Aluminum Fixed Ladders provide an extra measure of safety as well as comfort for accessing elevated areas. A wide range of sizes accommodate various applications and heights.
