Top 10 Tips for Avoiding Falls from a Ladder



As part of the Industrious Hygienist's participation in National Safety Month, I signed up to receive the free posters, fact sheets, and references from the National Safety Council (NSC). I like free stuff!

The "free stuff" includes weekly crossword puzzles to test your knowledge of what you were supposed to learn this week. Alternatively, you could provide your employees with the crossword puzzles to test their knowledge of industry standard safety practices. 

Week 1 of National Safety Month: Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls

 From the crossword puzzle I completed by NSC, here are the Top 10 Tips for Avoiding Falls From a Ladder:

1. Place the base of a ladder on a firm, solid surface.
2. A ladder should not be used as a bridge or scaffold.
3. Always keep at least three points of contact with a ladder.
4. When climbing a ladder, always face it and grip the rungs, not the siderails.
5. Don't stand higher than the third rung from the top of a ladder.
6. Make sure you know the weight limits of a ladder you are using.
7. Don't jump off a ladder.
8. Instead of leaning or over-reaching, reposition a ladder closer to the work you are doing.
9. Check the area you will be working in for hazards, such as cords or objects in the walkway.
10. Use a tool belt instead of carrying tools in hand.

Next week's focus for National Safety Month is employee wellness.

What is OSHA doing about fall prevention?

OSHA's outreach program includes images, posters, wallet cards, etc. that employers can use to educate themselves and their employees.

OSHA has developed a nationwide outreach program for fall prevention. They firmly believe that falls can be prevented and lives can be saved using the simple three steps listed above:

• Plan - ahead to get the job done safely
• Provide - the right equipment
• Train - everyone to use the equipment safely

Here's how OSHA says to do it:

(Don't mind the copy-paste from OSHA's website...they say it better than I could.)

PLAN ahead to get the job done safely

"When working from heights, such as ladders, scaffolds, and roofs, employers must plan projects to ensure that the job is done safely. Begin by deciding how the job will be done, what tasks will be involved, and what safety equipment may be needed to complete each task.

When estimating the cost of a job, employers should include safety equipment, and plan to have all the necessary equipment and tools available at the construction site. For example, in a roofing job, think about all of the different fall hazards, such as holes or skylights and leading edges, then plan and select fall protection suitable to that work, such as personal fall arrest systems (PFAS)."

PROVIDE the right equipment

"Workers who are six feet or more above lower levels are at risk for serious injury or death if they should fall. To protect these workers, employers must provide fall protection and the right equipment for the job, including the right kinds of ladders, scaffolds, and safety gear.

Different ladders and scaffolds are appropriate for different jobs. Always provide workers with the kind they need to get the job done safely. For roof work, there are many ways to prevent falls. If workers use [PFAS], provide a harness for each worker who needs to tie off to the anchor. Make sure the PFAS fits, and regularly inspect all fall protection equipment to ensure it's still in good condition and safe to use."

TRAIN everyone to use the equipment safely

"Falls can be prevented when workers understand proper set-up and safe use of equipment, so they need training on the specific equipment they will use to complete the job. Employers must train workers in hazard recognition and in the care and safe use ladders, scaffolds, fall protection systems, and other equipment they'll be using on the job."

OSHA has provided a bunch of educational materials and resources, training resources, and media resources (images, press releases, etc.) so that employers can be aware of their responsibilities to their employees regarding falls.

Another example of the media available for use from OSHA to train and educate employees, or just serve as a visual reminder on a job site.

What are some common locations for falls? Plus, fall prevention tips!

It's week 1 of National Safety Month, and the theme for this week is "Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls."

Some common locations for falls include:

• Doorways
• Ramps
• Cluttered hallways
• Areas with heavy traffic
• Uneven surfaces
• Areas prone to wetness or spills
• Unguarded heights
• Unstable work surfaces
• Ladders
• Stairs

Fall prevention tips from the National Safety Council (NSC) include:

• Keeping floors clean and clear of clutter.
• Maintaining good lighting both indoors and on outdoor walkways.
• Installing handrails on all stairways.
• Using a sturdy stepstool when climbing or reaching for high places.
• Wearing sensible footwear.
• Never standing on a chair, table or surface on wheels.
• Arranging furniture to provide open pathways to walk through.
• Periodically checking the condition of outdoor walkways and steps and repairing as necessary.
• Removing fallen leaves or snow from outdoor walkways.
• Being aware that alcohol or drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicine, can affect your balance and increase your risk of falling.
• Secure electrical and phone cords out of traffic areas.
• Remove small throw rugs or use non-skid mats to keep them from slipping.
• Remove tripping hazards (paper, boxes, toys, clothes, shoes) from stairs and walkways.
• Clean up all spills immediately.

Visit the NSC website for a downloadable fact sheet on slips, trips, and falls.

Why do we care about slips, trips, and falls?

1. Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry.
2. Falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional injuries in the United States, (~8.9 million visits to the emergency department annually).
3. Falls are (for the most part) preventable.