Ladder Safety & Fall Protection at Workplace

Ladder is the most important height safety equipment not only used at construction sites, but also useful for simple house repair works. Ladders are very dangerous if not used properly. These are available in different types of materials and should be chosen according to the nature of work. But it is necessary to learn ladder safety tips to avoid any accident at the workplace.

Aluminum is one of the most common materials for manufacturing ladders. It is light, strong and easily manipulated for manufacture. Aluminum ladders also don’t chip or crack when subjected to impact. This instrument is also available in fiberglass material. It is far more brittle though, and can crack if impacted but it doesn't conduct electricity so is often used around electricity. Ladders are also available of wood. Wood is a traditional material and still useful for ladders. Timber ladders are often made of combined hard and soft wood for strength and rigidity. 

If you are using portable ladder then it may fold beneath you. However, the result would be the same and you will simply fall down on the ground. To achieve ladder safety, position the ladder correctly. If you are a worker and use ladder for height works, you should be trained with ladder safety training. With help of the tips the incidents of accidents can be minimized. The simple ladder safety tips are as follows:

·         The first thing to consider is that you should inspect the ladder before placing your first step. This examination of ladder is very important. Make sure that the ladder is free from any liquid that may slip you. 

·         Check for 'loose or bent rungs' of your little giant ladder.

·         Set the base of ladder one foot away from the wall for every four feet of ladder height.

·         Avoid pushing or pulling stepladders from the side. Repeated sideways movement can make ladders wobbly since they are weaker or less stable in those directions.

·         The next thing to assess is the structural integrity of the ladder. Ensure there are no bends, buckling or misshapen rungs. Then check for any cracks or splinters in the metal. 

·         Face the ladder when you climb up or down. Hold on to the side rails with both hands. Use a rope to lift heavier equipments.

You can never be too safe when working at heights. Many people fall and are injured each year, and most could be avoided if they followed some simple safety basics. Hence it is necessary to earn height safety training.