Ladder accidents can be very dangerous and often lead to serious injury and even death. In order to stay safe while using a ladder, it is important to understand the dangers involved and take the necessary precautions if you don’t have any alternatives for your DIY project.
In 2020, there were 161 fatal work injuries from which ladders were the primary source. Of these 161 deaths, 105 were specifically from movable ladders and 5 deaths were from fixed ladders according to the U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics.
There were 22,710 injuries where the primary source of the injury was a ladder in 2020.
I keep away from using ladders because of the risks and use scaffolding and stepladders instead when I need to do any work high up.
What are the most common causes of ladder accidents?
The most common cause of ladder accidents is carrying material while not having 3 points of contact with the ladder.
It’s easy to lose balance on an unstable ladder and while carrying something you will try to not drop it or the weight will worsen the situation and make you fall.
Other common causes are:
- Insufficient extension ladder length extending above an upper elevation access point.
- Ladder used for an unintended purpose.
- Use of the top cap or top step of a stepladder.
- Use of ladders that were damaged and not structurally sound.
- Non-self-supporting ladders set up at a shallow angle.
How to stay safe while using a ladder
Many ladder falls could be avoided by employing, at a minimum, the following safety measures when using a ladder at home or on a construction site.
However, if you have any alternatives for your project, it is always best to avoid using a ladder altogether.
- Avoid worn or damaged ladders: Inspect your ladder before use to ensure it’s in good condition. Look for any damage or missing parts.
- Ensure the area around the ladder’s base is clear and level before setting it up.
- Do not use a ladder in high winds or stormy weather.
- Never stand on the top rung of a ladder.
- Use caution when carrying tools or other objects while on a ladder. Consider wearing a tool belt to free up your hands.
- Be aware of your surroundings and stay aware of anyone passing by while you’re on the ladder.
- Use ladders correctly: Don’t alter a ladder artificially, and do not use a ladder for a purpose other than intended.
- Angle the ladder correctly: Use the Body Method to angle the ladder correctly.
The Body Method
The body method is an easy and fast way to set up your ladder at the proper angle to avoid incidents.
Just follow these 4 easy steps:
- Place toes against the bottom of the ladder side rails.
- Stand erect.
- Extend hands straight out.
- The palms of the hands should touch the top of the rung at shoulder level.
For more information and safety tips you can use the Ladder Safety app by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from which this method has been taken.
Alternatives to ladders
If you can avoid using a ladder then you should. Some alternatives to ladders are:
- Platform/Step ladder
- Scaffolding
- Aerial lift
By using these alternatives to ladders you can use both hands for the task you’re performing and avoid any potential accidents.
Platforms and Step Ladders
By using a platform or a step ladder you free up both of your hands to perform the task at hand and avoid any potential incidents.
They come in different sizes and heights and can be easily maneuverable. If you’re not working at high altitudes then these alternatives are a great choice.
They are safer to work from compared to ladders since ladders are mainly used to get up and down or do simple tasks.
Scaffolding
Scaffolds are available both for the interior and exterior of buildings. They can be both mobile and stationary and some can easily be assembled by one person since they are usually made of aluminum.
They come in many different sizes and can be adjusted to the height you need for your project.
Using a mobile scaffold, you can reach larger areas than a ladder.
Aerial lifts
There are different kinds of aerial lifts depending on the project. These can be rented and are the best solution for working on heights.
The different aerial lifts can be:
- Boom lifts
- Scissor lifts
Boom lifts
If your building is more than 1 story, you will probably need a boom lift.
They have a basket where you can stand and they are raised with a telescopic arm. You can bring tools and some materials with you without having to worry about losing your balance and falling.
Boom lifts come in different sizes and can be either electric or fuel-powered and can usually be driven from the basket, meaning that you don’t have to get out of the basket when you need to move the whole lift.
The great thing about boom lifts is that they give you the mobility to reach different areas without having to move the entire lift which is perfect when you paint your house for example.
Scissor lifts
Scissor lifts are mobile and can be used both indoors and outdoors although they only go vertical.
They are usually used for construction and maintenance tasks.
They are easy to set up and do not require a lot of space.
The working platform is usually large enough for more than one person and the basket can be used to carry tools and materials.
Conclusion
Ladders are one of the most common tools used in households and workplaces but they are also one of the leading causes of accidents.
It’s important to be aware of the dangers of using a ladder and to use them correctly. When working at heights, you should always consider alternatives to ladders such as scaffolding, platforms or aerial lifts.
There are many different types of ladders and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to use the correct ladder for the job and to angle it correctly to avoid accidents and become one of the statistics if you decide to use one.