March was Ladder Safety Month, and we posted lots of important information throughout. This is our final presentation on the topic, and we hope you find it useful. Please feel free to download and share - help spread the word about proper ladder safety and procedures!

1. LADDER SAFETY MONTH 2019

2. CONTENTS
03 UNSAFE LADDER STATISTICS
04 SMART STEPS FOR LADDER USE
06 LADDER SAFETY FEATURES
07 GUIDELINES FOR LADDER SAFETY

3. 164,000
EMERGENCY ROOM
VISITS PER YEAR 300+
DEATHS
OSHA’S “FATAL FOUR”:
FALLS
#1 CAUSE
OF DEATH
STRUCK
BY OBJECT ELECTROCUTIONS
CAUGHT IN/
BETWEEN MACHINES
OR OTHER TOOLS
MOST OF
THESE ARE
AT A HEIGHT
of 10FT.
OR LESS
UNSAFE LADDER USE: THE STATS

4. SMART STEPS FOR
LADDER USE
If YES is the answer, consider a DIFFERENT WAY
to get the job done.
ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS BEFORE
USING A LADDER:
Will I need to hold heavy things while on the ladder?
Is the area high enough that the ladder could
become unstable?
Will I need to stay at this height for a long time?
Do I need to stand sideways on the ladder in order
to do my job?
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2
3
4

5. SMART STEPS FOR LADDER USE
LADDER MATERIALS MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
FIBERGLASS
Non-conductive and
great for outdoor use
ALUMINUM
Lightweight, conductive.
Use indoors, away from electricity
WOOD
Non-conductive, economical,
outdoor/indoor use
CHOOSING THE CORRECT
LADDER FOR THE JOB
Know the ladder needed for the job ahead
of time to avoid a dangerous situation.
 EXTENSION LADDERS
 NON-SELF SUPPORTING
 SELF-SUPPORTING
 STEP LADDERS
STEEL
Conductive, heavy.
Withstands high heat but can rust

6. LADDER SAFETY FEATURES
Top step - DO NOT step!
Steps connected securely to frame
Treads for grip while standing/stepping
Capped feet to prevent sliding
Label – manufacturer’s certification and acceptable load
Lock bars
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3
4
5
6
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2
3
4
5
6

7. GUIDELINES FOR LADDER
SAFETY
Use ladder on stable surface
Inspect for damage
Lock any metal spreaders
Properly secure ladder
Footwear should provide solid grip
Use for intended purpose only.
Place ladder at safe angle – 4:1 Rule
Maintain 3 points of contact with the ladder
at all times (2 feet and 1 hand, 2 hands and 1 foot)
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2
3
4
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8. LADDER SAFETY MONTH 2019
http://osha10hrtraining.com/blog/worker-safety-articles/national-ladder-safety-month/
https://www.barreralawfirm.com/Blog/2016/August/Leading-Causes-of-Death-in-the-Workplace-OSHAs-F.aspx
http://www.vetner.com.au/blog/the-4-questions-you-need-to-ask-yourself-before-using-a-ladder/
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.23
https://ehs.research.uiowa.edu/ladder-safety
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