Maintaining Safety on Jobsite Ladders
Jobsite safety is important for the wellbeing of others. The unfortunate truth is that when you are horse playing or ignoring safety, your life isn’t the only one being put at risk. People passing by on the street and your fellow team members are all going to be at danger of injury or death. This includes the interaction you have with ladders on the job.
Most workers overlook how dangerous these ladders can be, simply because they go up and down them on a regular basis. However, they should be treated like all construction equipment, with the focus being placed on safety.
When setting up the ladder, it should be placed on level ground and then inspected for any problems. If there appears to be a loose, worn or weak step on the ladder or there is obvious damage, it should be replaced. Steps should also be kept clean and free of debris and when winds are heavy or the weather isn’t good, one should avoid climbing and using the ladder. This reduces the risk of injury.
As you select a ladder for a job, it is best to have one that exceeds the height you are looking for by at least 3 feet. This gives you a chance to adjust your height as needed and in the event that you need to climb onto a location, such as a roof, it gives you an appropriate amount of room to safely climb on and off of the ladder.
While on the ladder, you need to ensure that you are properly using it. Don’t jump around, try to overextend your reach or horse play while on it. Doing so can cause you to fall and to cause harm to others should tools and other items fall from the ladder while acting dangerously on it.
To help avoid most of these problems, move as you work. As soon as you can’t safely reach an area, move the ladder. As you do so, calculate distances wisely and properly place it to be most effective. Then use your tool belt to maintain tools without tossing them on the ladder and juggling them as this can help to reduce some of the risks you will face.
Safety on a construction site begins with you. Take the time to review the safety information here and incorporate it into the way you behave on a ladder.
