Falls are the leading cause of death and injuries in the construction industry. According to The Center for Construction Research and Training, each year, more than 4,000 construction workers suffer lost-time injuries from ladder falls, and more than 70 construction workers die in falls from ladders. This month step up your training on ladder safety to protect yourself and your employees.
When selecting a ladder, consider:
The first rule of ladder selection is, if it's not a ladder, do not use it as a ladder. Buckets, sawhorses, concrete blocks and wire spools are just a few examples of items commonly misused to gain a little more reach (see photo below). Only use ladders specifically designed and constructed to be used as ladders.
OSHA classifies ladders into two basic types. Non-self-supporting ladders (i.e. straight and extension ladders) are used to access elevated working surfaces. Self-supporting ladders (i.e. step ladders) allow workers to access the work being performed such as work on walls and ceilings.
Step ladders should not be used while closed and leaning against a wall. Extension ladders should not be used, unless the top of the ladder and whatever it is leaning on, can be secured without tipping. Only use ladders for their designed and intended purpose.
(L) = This step ladder is being misused to access the top of the wall; (R) The extension ladder is putting a side load on the column form, which could cause it to tip over while the employee is on the ladder dumping vibrating concrete.
Workers should not use aluminum or other conductive ladders near live electrical lines or where they could make accidental contact with exposed live electrical parts. It is important to consider the environment as well. A wooden ladder is not typically a conductor. A damp or wet wooden ladder will act as a conductor. Fiberglass ladders are typically non-conductive and the most robust for construction and industrial use.
This aluminum ladder is erected next to the electrical service drop into the building. The “knuckles” or hardware connecting the overhead line to the service wiring may create exposure to live parts.
Each manufactured ladder has a load capacity rating based on the type and construction of the ladder. Ladder ratings appear on decals typically found on the ladder side rails. Only Types I, IA and IAA are approved for use in industrial settings and construction work. The rated maximum weight includes the weight of the worker and the equipment they are carrying.
Workers should inspect ladders before each use. Look for damage to side rails, rungs, feet, spreaders, fasteners and other hardware. It is also good practice for employers to put ladders on a scheduled, periodic inspection program.
Damaged ladders should be taken out of service until repaired, however most employers do not stock OEM parts for portable ladders or have a qualified person on staff. Any ladder repair must be done by a qualified person and must return the ladder to its original form, fit and function.
(L) = The feet on this ladder were damaged when they struck an awning while the ladder was secured to the ladder rack of a truck; (R) = The side rail on this ladder is damaged which affects the structural integrity and capacity of the ladder. Both ladders should be taken out of service until they are repaired by a qualified person or replaced.
These ladder repairs do not return the ladders to their original form, fit and function. Both ladders should be taken out of service until they are repaired by a qualified person or replaced.
Most ladder accidents can be avoided by ensuring the ladder cannot tip over while in use. All ladders should be erected on a solid, level and stable base. OSHA requires non-self-supporting ladders to be secured at the top. It is a good practice to do the same with self-supporting ladders. The photos below illustrate poor ladder placement.
Additional tips for ladder placement include:
(L)= The guardrail provides fall protection from the open-sided floor. Because of the location of the ladder, anyone working from the ladder would need additional fall protection. A couple of options include adding rails to the guardrail system or personal fall arrest (harness, lanyard and anchor point). (R)= In general, housekeeping is very poor on this site. Trash piles and lumber discarded with protruding nails create exposures to slip/trip/fall while mounting and dismounting ladder, and possibly greater injury to the employee in the event of a fall from the ladder.
Another frequent cause of falls from ladders is misusing the ladder or the employee overreaching. To prevent these falls:
Construction Industry: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.955
General Industry: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.23
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/falls/mobileapp.html
Make safety your top priority. For additional information and training material for portable ladders, contact your local Risk Control Consultant. To find a BITCO agent, click the "Find An Agent" button below.
For information purposes only. BITCO's blog content does not address all potential circumstances and is not a substitute for business, safety, or legal consultation.