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SCF Arizona
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Posted: Wed Jul 1st, 2009 04:16 pm |
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Recently, an Arizona worker climbing onto a roof fell eight feet to the ground. Treatment of his injuries and the rehabilitation required will cost more than $2 million.
He’s lucky. He lived. Hundreds of workers die each year and thousands more are permanently disabled because of workplace ladder accidents. While ladders are necessary and seemingly simple tools, employers and employees need to understand ladder safety and how to prevent accidents.
“Ensure you are using the proper ladder for the job,” said Gerry Coley, Loss Control Specialist at SCF Arizona. “Inspect it prior to using it and be sure to use it properly. Also, make sure the surrounding area
is clear of hazards at all times.”
Ladders are marked with important safety instructions, and SCF offers the following tips on safe ladder practices, whenever using a ladder:
- Never stand on the top three rungs of an extension or single ladder or stand on the top step of a stepladder.
- Do not use portable stepladders longer than 20 feet.
- Single ladders (one-piece, non-self-supporting ladders) should not be used if they are longer than 30 feet.
- Extension ladders longer than 60 feet should not be used.
- Never splice short ladders together to make a longer ladder.
- All ladders should be maintained in good condition at all times. Inspect them frequently to ensure they are clean and can support the necessary loads. When a ladder shows deterioration such as rough burrs, sharp edges, loose joints and bolts, bent or warping steps, remove them from service for repairs, destroy them or mark them as “dangerous, do not use.”
- Carry tools up or down the ladder on a belt, or hoist them in a bag or bucket. Never hand-carry them.
- Keep the area around the top and bottom of the ladder clear.
- Wear shoes with clean, nonskid soles when climbing a ladder.
- Position the ladder so you can reach safely without losing your balance.
- Always face the ladder while climbing up or down and hold the side rails with both hands.
- Space the ladder base one foot out for every four feet it reaches up.
- Portable ladders should extend three feet above the surface to which the employee is climbing.
- When using a folding stepladder, open it completely and lock the legs in place.
· Do not use metal ladders near power lines.
· Only one person should be on a ladder at a time.
· Ladders should only be used on stable, level surfaces. If that is not possible, secure the ladder to the vertical surface to prevent it from moving while it is in use.
· Maintenance of your ladders should be a priority.
SCF Arizona, the state’s leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance, provides coverage to more than 40,000 employers and more than 700,000 employees. The company is the state’s major advocate for workplace safety. Based in Phoenix and with offices in Flagstaff, Lake Havasu City, Prescott, Show Low, Tucson and Yuma, SCF provides ladder safety material and training. Call a Loss Control Consultant at 602.631.2000 or visit http://www.scfaz.com for more information.
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