If you work in the manufacturing or construction industries, you likely use ladders frequently on the job. While safety is generally stressed more for heavy equipment, ladder safety should not be ignored. Continue reading to make sure you and your employees are using your ladders carefully and properly.
Ladder Safety Checklist
- The ladder used must be able to support at least four times the maximum intended load.
- Leaning ladders (those that require the support of a wall or other fixture) should be positioned at an angle of ¼ the working length of the ladder from the top support to the foot of the ladder. Job-made wooden ladders should be at an angle of about 1/8 the working length of the ladder.
- The rungs of the ladder should be level, evenly spaced, and parallel to one another. They should be shaped so that workers' feet cannot slip off.
- Always keep ladders clean of oil, paint, and other hazards.
- Stepladders and foldout ladders must have a metal spreader or locking device to hold the position of the ladder while in use.
- If more than one ladder is in use in a work area, they must be spaced with a platform in between.
- Keep the area around the ladder clear.
- Never use the ladder for purposes other than that for which it was designed.
Your employees should be in full understanding of these rules, and supervisors must ensure they are followed at all times.
Where can I find a good log book?
Don't skip out on keeping daily records; it is a worthy investment that will protect you, your business, and your employees. Check out Safety Meeting Outlines for log books and other safety education tools.
Safety Meeting Outlines provides employers in the construction and manufacturing industries with educational tools to keep the workplace safe. Visit our website to learn more about our products or to order online.
