CMI Celebrates Ladder Safety Month

Each year more than 500,000 people are treated—and about 300 people die—from ladder-related injuries according to the Center for Disease Controls (CDC). In the United States alone, ladder injuries cost more than $24 billion in medical, work, legal, liability, and pain and suffering expenses according to the CDC.

Falls from ladders continue to be a persistent problem for workers across many industries. For example, it was estimated that over 10,350 construction workers sustain a ladder fall injury on the job each year. The ladder base slipping is the leading cause of extension ladder falls, and improper ladder setup angle can impact ladder stability and contribute to falls.

Here are CMI’s Top 5 Tips for Ladder Safety:

1. Inspect ladders before use. Check for cracks, splits, rust, corrosion, and missing bolts. Check that the rungs are secured to both sides of the ladder. Inspect the locks and hinges for smooth operation. Look at the rungs for grease, oil or debris that may contribute to a slip or fall. Finally, inspect the ladder “feet” to make sure they are not damaged and will sit flat on a work surface. If damage or defects are found, remove the ladder from service.
2. Keep the 4:1 Ratio for Extension Ladders. An extension ladder should maintain a 75-degree angle from the wall where it is set up. The 75-degree angle is achieved by using a 4:1 ratio of the work space. This means, take the ladder height and divide it by 4. This will tell you how far the ladder should be placed from the base of the wall. For example, if your ladder will be 12 feet high, the distance of the base from the wall should be 3 feet.
3. Always maintain 3-points of contact. Always climb the ladder with two hands and one foot on the ladder or two feet and one hand in contact with the ladder. Maintaining contact with the ladder will help you remain steady. Also, keep your weight centered between the rails to avoid overreaching and losing balance.
4. Extend the ladder over a roof line by at least 3 feet. An extension ladder must extend over the roof line by at least 3 feet over the room. This ensures the ladder is stable for climbing and getting on and off a roof.
5. Do not exceed the maximum load rating of the ladder. Every ladder comes with a weight rating that determines how much weight the ladder can withstand before collapsing. You need to ensure that your ladder can hold both your weight and load, if any. Using a ladder that cannot withstand your weight could cause the ladder to break and cause an accident.

CMI has a team of health and safety professionals ready to help with fall prevention strategies, training and ladder safety. Contact us today!

Falls in the Workplace: Ladder Safety Mobile App | NIOSH | CDC

Written by Erin Rymsa, Director, Training Services