According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ladder accidents cause around 160,000 injuries and 300 deaths each year.
Haney's Tip: Follow these 3 steps to ensure ladder safety!
Choose the Right Ladder
Share what each type of ladder’s purpose is and how they can safely utilize that ladder for their projects. Aluminum ladders are waterproof and lightweight but should never be used near electricity; choose a wooden ladder or fiberglass option with a special coating in those instances. TheLittle Giant Xtra-Lite Plus is made of aluminum, easy to carry and comes with a flip-up handrail, while theWerner 6006 Fiberglass Step Ladder is made of electricity-safe fiberglass. The McMaster-Carr Two-Side Access Ladder allows two people to use it at one time.
Inspect the Ladder
Be sure the ladder’s feet are intact and stable and check for damage on any other parts of the ladder. The ladder should not sway from side to side and should be clean of any materials like paint or oil that could cause slips. Set up the ladder in a safe way, on stable ground and away from dangerous obstacles. Werner’s Type IA Fiberglass Leaning Ladder securely leans against flat wall surfaces, corners, poles and studs.
Maintain Three Spots
When climbing or working on a ladder, always keep three points of contact on the ladder—two feet and one hand. Don’t try to climb the ladder with tools or equipment in your hands; instead, use helpful tools like the Werner PK76-9 Universal Pail Shelf or the Monkey Rung Products Monkey Klamp.
