Falls are one of the Fatal Four that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified in the construction industry. They are the most dangerous issue of the four, leading to the highest number of fatal accidents each year.
As such, workers need to know how they can reduce their odds of being injured. Many of these workers have no choice but to work at heights and climb ladders, so some level of fall risk is always going to be present. What can they do to stay safe?
10 key tips
If you are a construction worker or someone in a related field – roofing, painting, etc – where you have an elevated fall risk, here are 10 tips to use when climbing ladders:
- Maintain 3 points of contact at all times.
- Do not climb the back rungs of the ladder.
- Never allow another worker to climb a ladder that you are already using.
- When possible, refrain from carrying tools or materials up the ladder.
- Check the weight limit on the ladder prior to use.
- Consider any risks created by environmental hazards, such as a slick surface where the latter is set up.
- Watch out for overhead hazards that could cause injury, like exposed electrical lines.
- Do not lean while standing at the top of the ladder, and do not try to “walk” the ladder to a new location.
- Make sure you use the right type of ladder, such as an extension ladder or a step ladder, depending on the job.
- Never rush, but move slowly and carefully.
These tips certainly can help you reduce the odds of a fall, but nothing guarantees you won’t get injured on the job. If you do, you may deserve substantial workers’ comp benefits, so be sure you know what steps to take.