Portable Ladder Safety

 

Prime Design products are intuitive and safe to use. Our line of smart safety solutions do a superb job of making the work of unloading, loading, and securing a ladder on your work truck or van safe and easy. Unfortunately, no ladder or roof rack can carry your ladder from the vehicle to where the ladder will be used at the job site.

 

According to OSHA, falls from portable ladders are one of the leading causes of occupational fatalities and injuries. Luckily, there are a few simple things that you can do to greatly reduce these risks once you’ve removed your portable ladder from one of our racks.

 

Safe Carrying Procedures

 

From a Ladder Rack

  • Lower ladder feet to ground
  • Lift ladder over front hook
  • Place ladder on shoulder
  • Find the center balance
  • Grasp with both hands, one hand forward
  • Lift the feet and carry away

 

From a Standing Position

  • Face the ladder and grab the rungs
  • Lower the ladder hand over hand walking backward
  • Once past center, turn the ladder 90 degrees onto its side
  • Place ladder on shoulder
  • Find the center balance
  • Grasp with both hands, one hand forward
  • Lift the feet and carry away

 

General Ladder Safety Guidelines

  • Read – and follow – all warning labels and instructions on your ladder
  • Inspect the ladder prior to using it. If it’s damaged, remove it from use and make sure that it’s marked as unsafe until fixed or scrapped.
  • Make sure your ladder is free of any slippery material such as grease or oil on the rungs, steps, and feet.
  • Always maintain three points of contact with the ladder (two feet and a hand, or two hands and a foot) while climbing. Stay near the middle of the step you’re on, and never face away from the ladder while climbing.
  • Never use the top rung of a ladder as a weight-bearing point unless it was specifically designed for that purpose.
  • Always ensure that your ladder is on a level and stable surface, unless you have taken steps to secure the top or bottom.
  • Do not place your ladder on unstable bases to gain additional reach.
  • Never shift a ladder while a person or equipment is occupying it.
  • Ensure that all necessary locks on an extension ladder are properly employed.
  • Never exceed the maximum load rating of your ladder. Always be mindful of your ladder’s load rating in relation to the weight it’s supporting, including any tools or equipment.

 

Ensuring that your workers utilize safe ladder handling procedures will provide tangible safeguards for employees at job sites – and ensure maximum benefits for your business.

 

Interested in learning more about how Prime Design’s smart safety solutions can make your fleet safer and more productive? Contact us today!