Ladder Safety 101: Tips from OSHA and Federal Workplace Safety Guidelines

Ladder accidents account for over 220,000 injuries annually, according High Beam Research. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) studies have shown that 100% of these accidents could have been prevented using proper ladder safety. What safety precautions are necessary when using a ladder at home or on the job? These ladder safety tips are not difficult, time-consuming or expensive to observe.

-Whenever possible, use scaffolding instead of ladders to complete jobs. Scaffolding affords a flat working surface as opposed to a tilted work surface. Scaffolding offers a place to assemble tools and supplies. If you do not own scaffolding, consider renting it for exterior home improvement projects, such as roofing, painting, installing windows and siding installation and repair. Rental services offer many styles of scaffolding to rent.

-When using a ladder, make sure that it is a sturdy ladder with no damaged parts. Aluminum ladders are sturdier and safer than wooden ladders. Make sure all hardware and extension apparatus on the ladder is in good working order.

-Observe ladder weight limits. Ladders are constructed to hold a certain amount of weight. Make sure that you calculate not only how much you weight, but also how much you with all your safety equipment and tools weight altogether.

-Position the ladder on firm ground. It is preferable to position the ladder on concrete.

-Position the ladder at an angle no wider than 75 degrees, or about five feet from the ground to the wall. Most extensions have angle markings on them.

-Never position the ladder near hanging power cables, over a door that may be opened or on a slanting surface.

-Wear a hard hat or safety helmet when working on a ladder. It's not difficult and it could save your life.

-Choose a ladder with stabilizers on the feet of the ladder.

-Never stand on the top few rungs of the ladder. Choose an extension ladder that is long enough to provide you with ladder space that exceeds your waist in height. When you stand on a ladder, the top of the ladder should reach past your belt. Standing too close to the top of the ladder is one of the major cause of ladder injuries.

-Never lean out or overreach from either side when working on a ladder. Leaning will throw you and the ladder off balance. Keep your center of gravity aligned with the ladder.

-Maintain at least three points of body contact with the ladder.

-Don't allow power cords to get tangled in the rungs of the ladder.

-Wear work boots or shoes with tread. It is very easy to slip if you are wearing smooth soled shoes. Never wear sandals or go barefoot when working on a ladder.
-If you need different tools, wear a tool belt to hold them.

Avoid being a ladder accident statistic with these ladder safety tips. For more home maintenance and diy repair tips, visit me at www.diynhow24u.blogspot.com.