January 2015 newsletter

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Portable ladders: Tips to keep workers safe

By Jim Stanley
President, FDRsafety

Falls from portable ladders, including stepladders, straight ladders and extension ladders, are one of the leading causes of work injuries. Yet, many of these accidents are easily avoidable by following the common sense requirements laid out by OSHA, and employers in virtually any type of business can benefit by sharing these requirements with workers.

OSHA does not consider ladders of any type on a construction job to be a walking/working surface (a walking/working means any surface, whether horizontal or vertical, on which an employee walks or works except ladders, vehicles or trailers). So requirements for walking/working surfaces do not apply.

Under the requirements relating to fall protection for employees working on ladders, OSHA mandates employers and employees to comply with the following:

• Read and follow all labels/markings on the ladder.
• Avoid all electrical hazards.
• Inspect the ladder prior to using it. If damaged, remove from service and tag until repaired or discarded.
• Maintain three points of contact on the ladder when climbing.
• Always face the ladder while climbing.
• Only use ladders and appropriate accessories for their designed purposes.
• Make sure ladders are free of any slippery material on the rungs, steps or feet.
• Do not use a stepladder as single ladder or in a partially closed position.
• Don’t use the top step/rung unless designed for that purpose.
• Use a ladder only on stable and level surfaces. (Unless the ladder has been secured at the top or bottom to prevent displacement.)
• Don’t place a ladder on any unstable base to obtain additional height.
• Don’t move or shift a ladder while an employee or equipment is on the ladder.
• Extension or straight ladders used to access an elevated surface MUST extend at least three feet above the point of support.
• Don’t stand/work on the three top rungs of a straight/single or extension ladder.
• The proper angle for setting up a ladder is to place its base a quarter of the working length of the ladder from the wall or other vertical surface.
• Any ladder placed in any location where it can be displaced by other work activities must be secured to prevent displacement or a barricade must be erected to keep traffic away from the ladder.
• Before climbing an extension ladder inspect it and make sure that all locks are properly engaged.
• The maximum load rating of a ladder may not be exceeded. Be aware of a ladder’s load rating and of the weight it carries including the weight of any tools or equipment.

Jim Stanley is former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA. Contact him at jstanley@fdrsafety.com or 513-317-5644.

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