When using a ladder, have you ever thought about what could go wrong? Very few of us do. We use them in various personal and professional settings without giving a second thought to the potential risk factors. After all, a ladder is neither a power tool nor is it some type of heavy machinery. However, their everyday use can lead to unforeseen accidents, often with serious consequences.
Recognising the common causes of ladder accidents and implementing preventive measures is key to minimising the risk of injuries.
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Choosing the wrong ladder for the task
Choosing the wrong type or size of ladder for a task is a common mistake and one that can compromise your safety. Using a ladder that is too short will force you to overreach to complete the job, while using one that is too tall increases the risk of instability.
Different ladders are specifically designed to support different weights. Exceeding the weight capacity of the ladder can cause the ladder to break, increasing your chances of sustaining serious injuries.
Prevention: Select the appropriate ladder based on the task’s height requirements and weight capacity. To avoid accidents, calculate the maximum reach height needed and choose a ladder that accommodates it and never exceeds the weight limit specified by the manufacturer.
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Placing the ladder on unstable ground
Improper placement is one of the leading causes of ladder accidents. Placing a ladder on uneven or unstable ground increases the risk of it slipping or tipping over, causing you to fall. Neglecting to secure the base of the ladder further compounds this risk. Additionally, leaning a ladder against unstable surfaces such as weak walls or loose structures compromises stability.
Prevention: Make sure to always place the ladder on a flat, steady surface that’s free of debris. If you have no choice and have to place the ladder on an uneven or debris-filled surface, use a ladder stabilizer to provide additional support. Also, avoid placing the ladder near doorways or high-traffic areas to prevent accidental collisions.
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Overreaching while on a ladder
When attempting to access areas outside the ladder’s reach, it seems easier to stretch and complete the job rather than descend and re-position the ladder so that it is closer to the target site. However, overreaching beyond the ladder’s sides or leaning too far to either side jeopardises the stability of the ladder and increases the likelihood of losing your balance and falling.
Prevention: When working atop a ladder, the rule of thumb is to keep your centre of gravity between the ladder’s side rails. One way to do this is to ensure that your belt buckle remains with the side rails of the ladder at all times. If you are unable to reach the intended area without overreaching, it’s safer to climb down and re-position the ladder so it is closer to the work area. If you have to work atop a ladder for extended periods, it’s worth investing in tools that can help you comply with this rule. For example, an extendable paintbrush can help when you’re painting walls.
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Using worn or damaged ladders
Ladders are subject to a fair amount of wear and tear over the years. Continued use of worn or damaged ladders significantly compromises your safety. Using a worn or damaged ladder can be extremely dangerous. Cracks, splits, or broken rungs weaken the ladder’s structural integrity, increasing the likelihood of it collapsing or breaking during use.
Prevention: Inspect ladders thoroughly for signs of wear or damage before you use them. If you spot any sign of cracks or other structural weakness, replace the ladder immediately. Don’t be tempted to use the ladder ‘just one more time’ – it’s not worth taking that risk.
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Ignoring the Three Points Of Contact rule
The ‘Three Points of Contact’ is a basic rule of ladder usage. It means at least three points of your body – two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot – should be in contact with the ladder at all times. Failure to maintain three points of contact while ascending or descending a ladder compromises balance and stability, significantly increasing the risk of falls.
Prevention: Always maintain three points of contact – two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand – while working on a ladder. Avoid carrying bulky items that prevent you from getting a proper grip and compromise balance. Practice mindfulness and focus on the task at hand to minimise the risk of accidents.
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Rushing to complete the job
More often than not, jobs that involve using a ladder are a chore that nobody really looks forward to. Just setting up the ladder correctly, ascending, descending, and putting it away are chores in itself, never mind doing the actual task. With so many tedious steps involved, it’s tempting to rush through it all while ignoring all the safety rules and guidelines. Unfortunately, this is a recipe for disaster.
Rushing through the steps without paying attention to where you place the ladder or how you use the ladder, increases the likelihood of making mistakes or overlooking safety precautions, leading to accidents.
Prevention: No matter how tedious, take the time to inspect your ladder and set up the ladder properly, ensuring stability and safety measures are in place. Avoid rushing or getting distracted while working at heights and stay focused on the task at hand.
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Missing the last step when descending
You never think this would happen to you but this ladder accident is more common than you may think. Missing the last step when descending from a ladder will cause you to lose your balance and fall, potentially yanking the ladder along with you.
Prevention: You’ve stayed focused and paid attention to all the safety guidelines right through and it’s time to get down safely. It would be a shame to compromise your safety at the last minute. Take your time and climb down carefully while continuing to face the ladder and maintaining a firm grip on the rungs. When you’ve descended a fair way down, glance down to make sure you’ve reached the last rung before stepping off the ladder.
Conclusion
Ladder safety cannot be overstated. While they are common tools in both home and workplace environments, their use can pose significant risks if not handled correctly. By understanding and addressing the seven common causes of ladder accidents detailed above, you can substantially reduce the risk of injuries.
Additionally, employers must uphold safety standards and provide proper equipment. If you have suffered a fall due to a ladder accident that resulted from your employer’s negligence, such as improper equipment or ignoring health and safety, you may be entitled to compensation. Remember, safety is not just a guideline – it is a necessity. Make sure to always prioritise it to prevent unnecessary accidents and ensure a safer working environment.
