Hello team, today we will be talking about a unique tool which over the years, has turned out to be one of man's finest inventions: "Ladders!"
Ladders are very simple but useful tool which everyone one of us needs to have around. Ladders are useful both at home and work places.
As simple as ladders may seem, they can be very hazardous too if not properly utilized. According to the 2016 edition of the National Safety Council chartbook, “Injury Facts", ladders accounted for 5,900 cases of injury involving days away from work and 76 deaths in the construction industry in 2013. These injuries and deaths could have been prevented if proper planning and risk assessment was carried out.
Courtesy of: Ladders-Direct.com
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) classifies accidents resulting from ladder usage into one of three broad categories:
Accidents resulting from using the wrong type of ladder;
Accidents from ladder failure due to the poor condition of the ladder. and
Accidents resulting from the wrong use of ladders.
Before you use a ladder next time, whether at home or in your work place, carry out a quick risk assessment of that task by asking yourself these basic questions as recommended by OSHA.
Will you need to hold heavy items while on the ladder?
Will the job require a long ladder that may be unstable?
Will you be working at height for a long period of time?
Will the job require you to stand on the ladder sideways?
If your answer to any of the questions above is yes, then you might want to consider using an alternative equipment in place of a ladder.
However, if you must proceed with the task using a ladder, please apply these basic safe work practices:
- Have a standby person to hold the ladder
2.Use safety harness if working at a height up to 2metres
Do not stand on the top rung of the ladder. This is a no no.
Stand only on the side designed for steps
Make sure the base of the ladder is secured and on a level surface.
Wear non-slip foot wear. Your foot wear should not be greasy.
Extend or expand the ladder fully before use.
Always maintain three points of contact on the ladder at all times.
Do not carry tools or objects in your hands when you’re climbing the ladder.
Do not place a ladder near a doorway unless you’re sure the door is locked and will not be opened.
I hope you find this piece of information useful.
Remember, "DO IT SAFELY OR NOT AT ALL"
-Shalom!
Image credit : Google images
