Although one of the most common tools used on a construction site, if improperly used, step ladders can lead to serious injuries or even fatal incidents. A research study found that ladders are involved in 20 percent of fall injuries among workers and 81 percent of construction-worker fall injuries.
Remember, always use the ladder as intended and follow all manufacturer’s warnings for the specific type of ladder you are trained to use.
Remember these important safety precautions when working with step ladders:
- Always visually inspect all step ladders before use for any defects such as missing/broken rungs, bolts, cleats, screws and loose components.
- Remove defective ladders from service immediately.
- Never stand on the top rung or step of the step ladder. This makes the ladder very unstable and prone to tip over!
- Never use a stepladder folded against a wall or other area. This can cause them to slip out from under you!
- Never face away from the step ladder! This can easily cause you to fall!
- Never over-reach on a step ladder!
- Always read the ladders warning labels and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use.
- Make certain that the ladder is rated for the correct type of use such as rugged, or industrial which are the most common for construction/industrial projects.
- Only use a ladder that is rated to support the weight of your body and your tools.
Midsouth Mechanical has been doing business for almost 30 years and with our new location in Greenville, SC we are proud to be reaching more people than ever. We offer our industrial clients efficient and cost-effective fabrication, modification, and repair of industrial equipment. From preventive plant maintenance, designing, installing and aligning machines, our exceptional skill and craftsmanship set us apart from the competition. Our number one priority day to day is safety. To see our published weekly Toolbox Talks, follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.