Safety First…. With Ladders

There are a lot of people in Southern Indiana like New Albany, Clarksville, Jeffersonville, Greenville, Georgetown, and the other surrounding cities that are using ladders for home projects or fixing things inside and outside of their homes. 

Ladder safety is a serious business, but with the right type of ladder and the right precautions, they can help to easily tackle all those projects that need a little elevation. 

The Unknown Liability Every day, homeowners nationwide unknowingly expose themselves to liability because unlicensed or uninsured contractors are improperly using ladders on their properties. If a contractor sustains a bodily injury on a homeowner’s property, the homeowner could be held financially responsible for the damages. This can include the worker’s medical payments, lost wages, and any potential permanent injury settlement. It is imperative that homeowners know the proper ladders to use inside and outside of their homes and, more importantly, be sure the contractors they hire are both licensed and insured. 

There are 11 different types of ladders, and 3 primary materials they can be made from. The types are: 

• Step Ladders 
• Multi-Position Ladders 
• Extension Ladders 
• Straight Ladders 
• Platform Ladders 
• Attic Ladders 
• Step Stools 
• Fire-Escape Ladders 
• Leaning Ladders 
• Podium Ladders 
• Telescoping Ladders

Choosing the Right Ladder 

Ladders are made from fiberglass, aluminum, or wood. The first step, you need to take is to choose the right ladder. If it is not the right height or sturdy enough for the project you are undergoing, you might be putting yourself in a precarious situation. 

Answer these questions while choosing the right ladder for the job: 

1. Is it tall enough to reach where I need to go? 
2. How much weight will be needed to hold the ladder in place? 
3. Is the job indoors or outdoors? 

Step Stool consists of only 2-3 steps and Step Ladders, 3-5 steps. Both come in multiple sizes to perform different tasks. These are self-supporting due to the shape, and are lower to the ground; however, slip-and-fall accidents are still common. Platform Ladders are a safer alternative with a platform at the top, which increases the surface area for workers to support themselves and their equipment. 

Similarly, the Multi-Position Ladder can be folded into a self-supporting shape. This ladder’s size and shape can vary depending on how it is being used, which makes it versatile, but also creates more opportunities for accidents if used incorrectly. 

Extension Ladders and Straight Ladders are two similar types. They both require a wall or a supportive surface to lean against. Extension Ladders can be extended to various heights for different projects. These two are primarily used for outdoor projects and those where contractors would be required to be much higher up to complete the task at hand.

Ladder Safety

There are some general safety rules all homeowners should follow and enforce to avoid injuries to themselves or contractors: 

• Face towards the ladder and center your body between the rails. 
• Always maintain three points of contact between your body and the ladder. 
• Do not lean over the side, skip steps when climbing down, or stand above the highest level of the ladder. 
• Be sure proper, non-slip footwear is worn. 
• If you must use a ladder in severe weather, have another person hold the ladder for stability, but avoid using a ladder in intense winds whenever possible. 
• Use a belt, apron, or pouch to carry tools and materials up a ladder. 
• Use a rope and bucket to pull up large, heavy, or awkward items. 
• Make sure the hinges are locked. 
• Double-check that locks are secured on a ladder that is adjustable or able to extend. 
• Make sure all ladders are properly maintained before being used. 
• Don’t use a ladder that is damaged or appears unsafe or unstable. 
• Only use a ladder on a solid, level surface. 
• Observe duty ratings that are posted on the ladder, which include different weight limitations for each type of ladder. 
• When carrying an extension ladder, the center should be balanced, resting on the shoulder with one arm through the ladder for stability.