Ladder Safety

 

Tragedies like fatal falls can happen even from a ten-foot ladder or a normal staircase. But you can prevent falls that could prevent injuries or death by choosing ladders carefully, inspecting ladders and stairways, using them properly, and keeping them in good shape.

Ladders are fixed (cannot be moved) or portable (movable). When choosing a portable ladder, consider type (step ladder, straight, or extension ladders), length (convenient height without reaching), strength (base your choice on weight and stress the ladder has to bear), and material (wood is nonconductive, heavy, hard to move, and rots; metal is light, weather-resistant, but conducts electricity; and fiberglass is light, long-lasting, nonconductive, and has good traction). In addition, inspect ladders before using them. Also, all ladders should be thoroughly inspected at least once per year. Don’t use damaged ladders. Instead, label the damage, and then repair or destroy the ladder as appropriate. When inspecting, look for loose, broken, or missing rungs, steps, cleats or siderails; missing safety feet, frayed ropes, and other defective parts; oil, grease, or other slippery substances on rungs; skid-resistant features on rungs or steps of metal ladders; operational movable parts; and ample oil on metal bearings. For stairway inspections, look for loose or missing treads/stairs/handrails and clutter.

Do NOT use other means to reach higher places (i.e., chairs, benches, or boxes). If the job calls for a ladder, take the time to find one. Use ladders safely as follows:

·         Placement—Don’t place ladder in horizontal position. Place ladder away from doors.

·         Footing support—Place ladder on sure footing (not boxes or blocks), securing when possible. Place ladder so that for every four feet up, the ladder’s base is one foot out.

·         Top support—Top of ladder is placed so rails are fully supported. Extra room is given in case of ladder shifting. Ample strength is provided for load applied to ladder. Top support point is rigid.

·         Ladder height—Ladder siderails are at least 3 ft above the support point. Do not stand on top 2 steps of stepladder or top 4 rungs of straight ladder.

·         Ladder extension—Raise extension ladders so upper section overlaps and rests on bottom section.

·         Electrical hazards—Keep metal ladders away from power lines. Take precautions as you would when using a metal tool.

·         Climbing—Face ladder. Use both hands. One person at a time on portable ladders. Make sure work shoes are clean. Hoist tools up after reaching the top. When using stairways, don’t carry objects, hold the handrail, and keep a sure footing.

Keep stairs dry and clean, free of protruding nails, splinters, holes, or loose boards.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com
 

Incident Reporting

 

The health and safety of our employees is a top priority.  It is everyone’s responsibility to help prevent injuries and report all incidents immediately so that the same thing does not happen again. 

When an incident does occur, you must report it to your supervisor immediately and no later than the end of the work day.  An employee statement form must be filled out so that the details of the incident can be investigated. It is important to learn what actions must be taken to prevent the accident from happening again.  Your supervisor has all the necessary forms for conducting an investigation.  This process is not to place blame on the employee or supervisor.  It is to find the “root” cause of the incident.

No matter how small the incident may seem, it should be reported to your supervisor.  Your supervisor will decide what to do next.

 Let’s discuss a few scenarios:

1.       While setting up a ladder, a slight pain is felt in your shoulder.  You work the rest of the day however it doesn’t hurt too bad.  Should you report this or wait until tomorrow to see if it still hurts?

2.       You cut your finger on a utility knife and there is some blood that requires a band aid.  Should you report this?

3.       You trip and hit your elbow on the ground but do not feel any pain.  Should you report this?

The following items should always be immediately reported to your supervisor:

1.       An injury to any employee or contractor, even if the injury does not require medical attention.

2.       An injury to a member of the public occurring on a work site possibly resulting from our activity or involving property, equipment, or resource

3.       Illness resulting from suspected chemical exposure

4.       Chronic or re-occurring conditions such as back pain or cumulative trauma disorders

5.       Fire or explosion

6.       Any vehicle accidents occurring on site, while traveling to or from client locations, or with any company-owned or leased vehicle

7.       Property damage resulting from any activity

8.       Structural collapse or potential structural hazards

9.       Unexpected release or imminent release of a hazardous material

10.   Unexpected chemical exposures to workers or the public

11.   A safety related complaint from the public regarding our activities

12.   Any other significant occurrence that could impact safety - WHEN IN DOUBT, REPORT IT!

 TT   This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

 

Stay Safe on Portable Ladders

 

Overview

Your ladder can be a great help on the job. It is uncomplicated and simple to use. But don't be fooled; you shouldn't take ladder safety for granted. As with any other workplace task, care is required on ladders to maintain your safety. The following points serve as guidelines for portable ladder use.

1. Use the ladder only for its intended purpose. Don't use step ladders as single ladders or when partially closed. Likewise, don't climb the back sections of combination ladders, when used as step ladders.

2. Don't use a ladder as a brace, skid, lever, guy or gin pole, gangway, platform, scaffold, plank, material hoist, or any other use for which it was not intended.

3. Don't build makeshift ladders out of chairs, benches, or boxes. If the job calls for a ladder, take the time to find one.

4. Don't set up a ladder on a scaffold to gain extra height.

5. Make sure there's only one person on a ladder at a time.

6. Don't move a ladder while anyone is on it.

7. Check the ladder's condition before climbing. Don't use a ladder with broken or cracked rails or rungs or with rungs made slippery by grease or oil. The ladder should have safety feet and sit on a firm, level surface.

8. Don't use ladders on ice, snow, or other slippery surfaces.

9. Don't place a ladder on boxes or blocks to make it taller.

10. Inspect all ladders for defects before you begin climbing.

11. Face front and use both hands as you climb.

12. Don't overreach from a ladder. If your waist reaches past the uprights, you've gone too far—move the ladder.

13. Set ladders up properly by using the 4 to 1 rule. The distance from the wall to the base of the ladder should be one-fourth the distance from the base of the ladder to where it touches the wall.

14. Set up ladders so that the tops of the rails are supported equally. Avoid supporting the top of the ladder at a window or wall opening, but when you must, attach a support across the back of the ladder that is wider than the window opening.

15. Don't set up a ladder in front of a door, unless the door is locked or kept from opening.

16. Fully open stepladders so that spreaders are locked and the feet are level and firmly supported.

17. Set up extension ladders so that the top section rests on the base section, with the rung locks engaged.

18. Hoist tools or materials up to you after you reach the top of the ladder. You need both hands for climbing.

19. Don't stand on top of a step ladder. Also be careful not to get too close to the top of an extension or straight ladder.

20. Be careful when using ladders around electrical circuits. Keep the ladder from getting too near or hitting any energized circuit or conductor.

21. When you use a ladder to climb onto a roof:

·         Make sure it extends 3 feet above the point of support at the roof line.

·         Tie the ladder down to prevent slipping before climbing up.

·         Take care not to tip the ladder sideways and avoid having the base slide.

Don't forget! Be careful when using portable ladders!

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com