Work Safely Safety Training Tips for Working with your Ladder

Agenda 4 Steps to Ladder Safety

Deciding when to use a ladder Inspecting your ladder Setting up your ladder Climbing your ladder

4 Steps to Ladder Safety Deciding when to use a ladder Use a ladder when you cannot safely reach an object or product in an overhead location. Whenever possible, try to: Arrange heavier items on lower shelves and lighter weight items on upper shelves. Organize more popular products on lower shelves for quicker accessibility. Store slower moving items on higher levels where a ladder would be required. Organize your storage room to limit and reduce ladder use.

4 Steps to Ladder Safety Inspecting your ladder Select the right size ladder for the job. Ensure your ladder is appropriate for the job and will support you and your load. Before use, check the condition of your ladder. Do not use a ladder with loose, broken or missing rungs, screws or bolts. If your ladder is unsafe, report it to your manager. Make sure the feet are clean, rest securely on the ground and resist slipping. Store your ladder safely. Tie the ladder off to avoid tipping. Don’t use your ladder for other than its intended purpose.

4 Steps to Ladder Safety Setting up your ladder When carrying a ladder, hold it near the center and keep it close to your body, or use two people to move the ladder, one person at each end. Rest the base of the ladder on a dry, solid, even surface free of debris. If possible, have someone hold the ladder to provide added security. Secure your surroundings if your ladder is set up near a doorway or high traffic area. Use a barricade or warning signs. Always place the ladder at right angles to the work.

4 Steps to Ladder Safety Climbing your ladder Use proper (low heeled) shoes with clean, non-slip soles on the ladder. Never climb a ladder with high-heeled shoes. Always face the ladder when going up or down. Keep your body centered between the sides of the ladder. Make sure only one person at a time is on the ladder.

4 Steps to Ladder Safety Climbing your ladder Use the 3-point contact method. Ensure that both feet and one hand (or two hands and one foot) are in contact with the ladder at all times. Always face the ladder when going up or down. Keep your body centered between the sides of the ladder. If you cannot safely reach or carry a product on a ladder call for help.

4 Steps to Ladder Safety Climbing your ladder Ensure the top rung of the ladder is between your waist and head (i.e., your thighs are resting against the ladder). Never climb on the last few rungs of a ladder. Position the ladder within arm’s reach of the product you are seeking. Move the ladder if necessary. Never over-reach. When reaching for an item, ensure you reach directly in front of you, not to the sides.

4 Steps to Ladder Safety Climbing your ladder Don’t use a ladder in a horizontal position as a scaffold, plank or runway. Never leave a ladder set up and unattended. Always put your ladder away when your job is completed. Never use a step ladder as a straight ladder by leaning it against a wall. Do not “walk” or “shift” the ladder while on it.

4 Steps to Ladder Safety Did you know…. Since 1995, the Quebec CSST has recorded 18 fatal accidents due to falls from ladders.

4 Steps to Ladder Safety Final thoughts Never take a shortcut in ladder safety: After a fall, it’s a long road back to recovery! Falls are no laughing matter. As the old joke goes, the worst part of a fall is the sudden stop at the bottom! Be careful!

Employees do the darndest things Aren’t you glad you work in Tourism and not Construction!

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