Protect Your Bones: How to Prevent Ladder Accidents
There are few things worse than falling off a ladder and the injuries it can cause. All it takes is someone calling your name or hearing a loud noise for you to trip and fall. Ladder accidents can occur when you clean your gutters or trim your trees at home. You might also suffer an accident when using a ladder at work. That does not mean you should never get on a ladder though. When you look at some safety tips, you’ll learn how to easily prevent the most common ladder accidents.
The Consequences of Falling Off a Ladder
Over half a million people suffer from a ladder fall-related injury every year. This can cause lifelong injuries that hamper your ability to live a comfortable life. You can suffer damage to the spine, experience lifelong back pain, break a limb or suffer a concussion. Although it is rare a few hundred people die falling off a ladder every year. By learning proper ladder safety you can reduce your chances of falling off and protect your health.
Always Check the Ladder First
Do you have a habit of dragging an old ladder out of your garage and climbing on it without thinking twice? Stop and take a few minutes to do a quick inspection before you step on a single rung. You should make sure that the ladder is strong enough to support your weight and the weight of anything you carry. This is especially important if you need tools to work on your roof or cut tree branches. Look at both the rungs and the rung locks, which keep the ladder locked and secure. If you see any signs of damage, do not get on the ladder.
Avoid the Top Rungs
Most ladders have two top rungs that you usually do not use. This is very common with stepladders. Though you can take a seat on those rungs or use them to store some of your tools or supplies, do not stand on them. These rungs are lighter than the other rungs and cannot support your full weight. Standing on them will increase your risks of falling off the ladder or the ladder tipping over.
Pick the Right Position
Some people assume that they can use a ladder anywhere, which results in broken bones when they fall off. When you use your ladder, you need to make sure you put it in the right position. Always pull the sides of the ladder to open it as wide as possible. Check the ground to make sure it is flat and stable, which will keep the ladder from shifting. With extension ladders, you need to make the ladder back four feet for each one foot in height you need to climb. If you plan on climbing on a 12-foot root, the base of the ladder should sit back three feet from the building.
Stand on the Ladder
A big risk that some take is that they turn their backs to their ladders. You might decide to turn around to work on your gutters instead of getting down and turning the ladder. It’s impossible to maintain points of contact when you turn away. Always keep your face towards the ladder when you’re on it.
Wear the Right Clothing
Nonslip shoes are perfect for wearing as you clean your gutters from a ladder. They have a solid bottom that keeps you stable and can keep you from sliding off. A ladder gutter guard also comes in handy because it allows you to stabilize the ladder. Avoid wearing clothes that fit too loosely. Loose clothing can easily wrap around the ladder when you turn quickly and cause you to fall off the ladder. If you wear a tool belt, it should fit your body properly and not hang off your hips.
Use the Three-Point Rule
The three-point rule is more than just a rule used in basketball. It also comes in handy when you use a ladder. This rule says that you should maintain three different points of contact with your ladder whenever you use it. If you keep both feet on a rung, keep one hand on the ladder and use the opposite hand for work. You should also keep both hands on the ladder when you climb the ladder or lift one of your feet.
Conclusion
Ladder accidents can cause some serious accidents that include broken bones and concussions when your head hits a hard surface. Those injuries might leave you unable to work for days or even weeks until you recover. Whether you need to use a ladder at home or work, learn how to prevent common accidents with tips such as inspecting the ladder for damage before you use it and wearing the right clothes.
