Depending on your profession, you may need to use a ladder to complete various tasks. For example, roofers and painters use ladders almost every day of the week.
Even if you’ve been safely using a ladder for many years, you could still make a mistake that causes an accident. Here are some safety tips that will give you peace of mind:
- Don’t use a damaged ladder: Ladders don’t last forever, so you should check for damage and defects before taking your first step. A damaged ladder is one that’s much more likely to cause an accident.
- One person at a time: Even if you’re in a hurry, there’s never a good time for two or more people to use a ladder at the same time.
- Choose the right size ladder: The ladder you use to reach a roof is not likely to be the same one you use to paint the interior of a home. The wrong size ladder can force you to lean or reach, which puts you at risk.
- Keep an eye on the weather: Inclement weather, such as rain and wind, can compromise your safety when using a ladder. If conditions take a turn for the worst when working outdoors, pull down your ladder and move to safety for the time being.
- Don’t set your ladder near high traffic areas: If you set your ladder near the path of vehicular or pedestrian traffic, there’s a greater chance that someone or something will knock into it. If this happens while you’re on the ladder, you’re likely to fall to the ground below.
If you’re injured in a ladder accident, do the following:
- Examine yourself for injuries
- Administer first aid
- Call 911 for help, if necessary
- Report the incident to your employer
- Receive immediate medical treatment
- Follow the treatment plan outlined by your doctor
If you do all these things, you put yourself in the best possible position to make a full recovery. It also positions you to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.
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