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Fall protection at work and at home - ladder safety
Posted 6/4/2012 Updated 6/4/2012
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Commentary by Rod Krause
5th Bomb Wing Ground Safety Manager
6/4/2012 - MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- As summer arrives, many people will be working outside of their homes or summer residences.
What many may not know is that in an average year, 93,000 Americans are injured while using a ladder. In fact, falls are the second leading cause of accidental death for Americans after traffic collisions.
When working off the ground in any capacity it is important to have the right mindset. Always think about safety and the safest way to accomplish the task at hand. Don't just jump on the ladder and go.
Every time you use a ladder you need to inspect it, ensuring the base of the ladder is balanced and secure, and that rungs are free from debris or liquids. If you are doing a high climb, it never hurts to have another person help balance the ladder - you can always error on the side of caution.
Be sure to scan the work area for potential hazards especially if you're near electrical power lines.
Remember to never use a ladder if you are overly tired, injured or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you have any reservations about the climb just don't do it.
When you begin to climb a ladder make sure that you make a three point climb and always face the front of the ladder, never climb backwards or sideways. For a lot of you, climbing a ladder may be nothing for you to worry about but you never know the moment when you will catch your toe and if your hands aren't on the side rails, it will be nearly impossible to catch yourself.
Lastly, keep your weight centered between the rails and walk one rung at a time. Climbing a ladder is all about balance and in addition, ladders are designed for the three point climb.
When climbing down a ladder the same three point climb applies. Balance is even more important on the decent. Make sure you climb down one rung at a time and make sure your foot is securely on the rung before moving the other foot. Visibility is more difficult on the way down and you may be carrying something that you weren't on the way up.
Over the years there have been many fatalities caused through negligent ladder safety measures taken by the user. Because some people have successfully used ladders in the past without problems, they develop the "it can't happen to me attitude."But how wrong they are?
This is when things do go wrong, and being over confident can be a true folly. There is no place in the workplace for a slack attitude as it not only endangers the life of the person with that attitude, but fellow workers as well. If commonsense is used in regards to safety, ladders can be an asset in the workplace. Safety really depends on the user.
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