Ladder Safety Tips — Part 8

When we think of injuries involving ladders, we usually think any such injury as a consequence of falling off the ladder. A surprising number of these injuries happen without a fall, some without even getting on the ladder. Follow these tips:

1. When putting a ladder onto a service vehicle:

• Make sure you have work gloves on before you start.
• Ensure the ladder is serviceable and clean. This way, you don’t arrive on the job with a ladder you cannot safely use.
• Ensure the vehicle is situated so there is room to safely lift the ladder into place.
• Handle by the outer rails; otherwise, you risk a guillotine effect on your fingers.
• Double-check to ensure the ladder is properly secured (correct device, fully locked, ladder can’t extend, etc.).

2. When taking a ladder off a service vehicle:

• As with loading, check for gloves and position and handle by the outer rails.

• If another person is available, team-carry the ladder. While the weight is typically not a problem if you hold the ladder in a balanced manner, visibility often is. That means you are unlikely to see tripping hazards or avoid stepping into that gopher hole in the grass or pothole in the asphalt.
• Visually inspect for any damage that may have occurred during transportation.

3. When putting the ladder back on the service vehicle:

• Those trays on the top of most step ladders are convenient and often helpful. But check the tray before moving the ladder. It generally does not feel good when a half-inch drive ratchet, socket, and a bucket of fasteners fall into your face as you move the ladder.
• Clean off any grease, mud, or other contaminants.
• Visually inspect for any damage that may have occurred during use.
• Handle by the outer rails.
• When the ladder is in place, ensure it is secure for the trip back.