It’s very important to use ladders safely on the job. In many professions, using them itself is unavoidable. There are cases where a scaffolding system or a crane lift could be used instead, but not always. Many people have to use ladders for things like roofing, house painting, gutter repair, window washing and much more. Of course, ladders are one of the most common tools used in the construction industry.
As such, the key is to know how to use these ladders safely. Here are three mistakes that workers should always strive to avoid.
Moving too quickly
Many falls happen because workers are in a rush. They feel pressure to get the job done quickly, they don’t focus on having three points of contact, and they slip and fall. A ladder should always be climbed carefully and in a controlled fashion, even by those with a lot of experience.
Carrying items
Additionally, workers often have many different items that they have to carry, such as tools or parts and materials. It is dangerous to do this if it means that the worker is no longer able to grip the ladder properly. It’s also important to consider the weight limit of the latter when carrying anything.
Not setting the ladder up properly
Finally, some workers will climb a ladder that someone else set up without checking to see if it was done properly. One of the most important points is having a firm foundation with plenty of grip so that the ladder doesn’t move, tip or slip. Another issue is when the angle of the ladder is wrong, causing it to slide down the face of the building or to tip backward once the worker has climbed to the top rungs.
Avoiding these mistakes can certainly help keep people safe, but falls are going to happen. Those who have been injured need to know about their legal options.
