We can suffer from our familiarity with ladders. They seem so benign and, well, ordinary. But just like any other tool, using them carelessly can lead to catastrophic consequences.
At the end of 2011, a film of a Health and Safety Officer falling from a ladder while demonstrating safety procedures to colleagues appeared on YouTube. The Officer was fortunately not injured. However, he was reprimanded for failing to follow protocol in securing the ladder to the wall. This goes to show that even the most well-trained of us can begin to take for granted the tools we work with on a daily basis.
Almost 100 workers a month are injured, and some 45,000 home, leisure and DIY ladder-related incidents are reported to RoSPA per year. 70% of accidents could be avoided with the proper care and safety precautions.
Work environments are covered by legislation, but it makes sense for everyone to stop and think about how to protect themselves, whether indoors or outdoors, changing a light bulb or patching a roof.
If you're tired or feeling unwell, put the job off until another time, or get someone in.
It's important to use a ladder that's appropriate for you and for the job. Step ladders, extending ladders, combination step ladders and platform steps each have their purpose. Make sure it's tall enough that you don't need to overreach to do the job.
Check the ladder before use, especially if it's been stored in a shed for a while.
Make sure you understand about the correct angle of lean for leaning ladders, and take time to create a firm, flat surface which won't slip.
Think about tying your ladder off, or buying one of the ladder stabilising systems now available. And remember, don't let anyone film you, just in case.
Joelle, Sterk Systems
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