Occupational Health and Safety

Occupational Health and Safety  » Ladder safety for workers

Ladder safety for workers

Ladders are an important tool for many professions of which

window cleaners, builders, decorators, and agricultural workers

are just a few. Many thousands of people use ladders on a daily

basis, but the frequency with which they are used can create

complacency, safety standards begin to fall and accidents at

work occur.

Domestic falls from ladders increased 62% between 1992 and 2002,

with 48,000 people being injured in this way in 2002. These

statistics suggest that people are unaware of important advice

for the safe use of ladders.

The injuries that people sustain from ladder falls are often

serious, with 4,000 people being seriously injured in the UK

each year. 2,300 people were treated for various head injuries

in 2003 following a domestic ladder fall, although this number

is thought to be an underestimate with many going unreported.

What are the causes of ladder falls? In order to help improve

safety standards for ladder users, it is important to know what

the main causes of falls from ladders are. One in ten injuries

and deaths in the workplace is caused by ladders, and of these:

- 59% were caused by ladders slipping or skidding

- 27% were caused by workers losing balance

- 8% were caused by ladder breaking

Preventing ladders slipping and skidding Here are some tips to

prevent ladders slipping or skidding:

- Check the feet of the ladder are clean and are not broken

- Make sure the ground is firm and even, and is not slippery

- Lash the ladder firmly by strapping the two stiles, either top

or bottom, but never around a rung

- Ask someone to hold it at the bottom, although if the ladder

is over 5 metres it is unlikely they can prevent it slipping

- Ensure the top is resting on something solid, not glass or

window sash

- Do not splice short ladders together

- Ensure the ladder is at the correct angle. It should be 1

measure out for every 4 measures up.

Reducing the chances of workers losing balance Here is some

advice to lessen the chances of having an accident at work by

overbalancing on a ladder:

- Do not over-reach

- Pay extra attention to safety when conditions are windy

- Do not go higher than the 3rd rung from top on straight or

extension ladders or the 2nd tread on stepladders unless there

are suitable handholds

- Keep the body centred so the belt buckle is between side rails

- Do not carry anything up the ladder, have it hoisted up in a

bucket instead

- Always try to keep 3 points of contact with the ladder - 2

feet and a hand

Preventing the ladder breaking Here are some tips for preventing

a ladder breaking:

- Inspect the ladder before every use

- Look for splits, excessive wear, loose or missing rungs, or

splinters, and do not use the ladder if any of these are present

- Ensure the weight capacity of the ladder is not exceeded

- Make sure the ladder is kept in a dry environment, out of

direct sunlight

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- Use preservatives, such as clear varnish or linseed oil to

protect the ladder

- Do not paint the ladder as the paint may conceal damage to it

If unsure about the safety of a ladder you are using at work,

speak to your health and safety representative about it

immediately. Over 100 workers are injured after falls from

ladders every week, and around 78 die each year. Employers have

a duty of care to safeguard the health of their employees, and

if they fail to do this and an accident at work occurs, they

have been negligent.

What to do if you are have been injured in a ladder fall Any

workers who have suffered injury after falling off ladders due

to lack of training, poor maintained ladders or bad working

practices should take legal advice on making a compensation

claim against their employer. It could help stop a similar

accident happening to someone else, as well as providing the

injured worker with the financial compensation to which they are

entitled.

-ends-

About the author:

Editorial notes: George Ide, Phillips provides a cost-free

compensation service to people all over the UK after they have

had an accident at work. For more information and free legal

advice, go to www.accident-compensation-solicitor-uk.co.uk or

call 0808 144 0136.

Author notes: Alexandra Gubbins of

www.accident-compensation-solicitor-uk.co.uk