Minimize your organization’s risk by following the ladder safety tips listed below:

Use the 4-to-1 ladder rule: set the base of your ladder one foot away from the wall for every four feet of ladder height.
Extend a ladder three feet beyond the contact with its support.
Never use the top three rungs of an extension ladder or the top two steps of a stepladder.
Avoid overreaching from a ladder or work platform.
Place your ladder on a solid, level surface.
Tie off your ladder or have someone support it at its base.
Be sure all ladder rungs have flat steps and are treated with an abrasive coating.
Hold the rail, not the rungs, when you climb a ladder. This helps prevent the transfer of slippery contaminants to your hands or gloves.

Take the following precautions:

Wear slip-resistant footwear, such as shoes with cleats.
Raise and lower tools and equipment with a rope tied to the body of the tool, not its power cord. Always unplug power tools before raising or lowering them.
Use safety cages and fall restraint devices, when available.
Look before you walk on scaffolds, bridges and walkways. Make sure your pathway is clear.
Walk, don’t run on scaffolding, bridges and walkways.
Use the right equipment for the job; don’t make your own climbing equipment.
Always wear a hard hat when working at heights.

Don’t be left hanging. Minimizing your organization’s risk is everyone’s job!

For more information on reducing risk or any of our other services, please contact Jeff Harrison at jeff.harrison@cbservices.org or 800.807.0300 ext 2543.