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One of the many tools that home owners use regularly is a
ladder. Whether you need to change the porch light bulb, clean
the gutters or put something in the top of the closet. You may
need a ladder to get the job done! While ladders seem harmless
enough and they are useful tools, accidents can still happen if
you don?t follow some simple safety tips. You may be shocked to
hear that each year; more than 400,000 people are injured from a
ladder accident and end up in the emergency room or doctor?s
office. Some injuries are as minor as cuts and scrapes while
other injuries have resulted in broken bones or worse. Below we
are going to share some safety tips with you to ensure that you
are properly using your ladder to get your chores done! 1.
Before using the ladder, inspect it and make sure all the screws
and side rails are in place. Stepping on to a ladder that isn?t
secure, can result in you taking a fall which is exactly what we
want to avoid! 2. Check the bottom of the ladder to make sure
there isn?t any dirt, paint or liquid that has accumulated and
will result in the ladder not being sturdy. For your safety, try
to use ladders with non skid spurs ? this helps the ladder to
stay in place and prevent you from sliding. 3. Make sure to
properly set up your ladder before climbing on. The ladder
should be on a firm, level surface ? never place a ladder on a
surface that is uneven. Once you are certain the ladder is
secure and level then make sure to lock the side rails to better
secure the ladder. 4. Always position your ladder as close to
the work area as you can. Do not overreach or stretch to the
side, this could result in a fall if you lose your balance. It
might take a little longer to finish your task if you keep
getting off the ladder to reposition it but its best for your
safety. 5. Never move the ladder with anything on top such as a
hammer, paint can or the like. It won?t feel too good to have a
can of paint end up hitting you in the head ? any objects for
that matter! 6. Don?t be lazy and pull out the step ladder if
you will need the bigger ladder! Stretching and overreaching is
one of the most common ways that people get hurt when using a
ladder. With a bigger ladder you also have more bracing and you
can lean up against it while working. 7. Most importantly always
climb and descend the ladder facing it and holding on with both
hands whenever possible. Also be sure to take one step at a
time, if you miss a step that can end up with you falling from
the ladder. By following these few safety tips you will be able
to avoid any unnecessary accidents or trips the emergency room.
I know these tips sound like common sense but I see people make
these simple mistakes daily for lack of thinking while working
on something and trying to hurriedly finish.
About the author:
Chuck Greene is an electrician with what some would call an odd
love of laddders, especially the Little Giant Ladder
brand. He writes an maintains the Ladder Fanatic website
in his spare time - which features information about the Little
Giant Ladders.
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