Treat your ladder with the respect it deserves
The best part about fall and winter is that you get to use your ladder. A lot. You’ll need it to clean your gutters, and you’ll need it to hang (and take down) all the various holiday lights, starting with Halloween. It’s a wonderful time for a man and his ladder (or a woman), as long as you practice proper ladder safety, you should make it through the holidays injury free.
Be careful when you get on your ladder to hang lights & decor.
Photo By Ted Johnson from Livermore, CA.
You would be amazed at how many ladder-related injuries come stumbling into the ER on a regular basis. According to a 2007 study, over 130,000 people visited the emergency room each year between 1990-2005 due to ladder-related injuries. And roughly 20% of work-related injuries involve a ladder, so even professionals are at risk. Apparently, many take the ladder for granted and forget that it is a tool that should be treated with caution and respect.
Basic Ladder Safety Instructions
by The American Ladder Institute
Before we go on: No, we did not make that up. Yes, there really is such as thing as the American Ladder Institute!
Over 2 million people visited the ER between 1990 and 2005 due to ladder related issues
And now, basic ladder safety tips:
- If you don’t like ladders, are afraid of ladders, get nervous around ladders: Don’t use a ladder!
- Don’t use a ladder in the middle of a storm or in heavy winds
- Wear proper shoes with a gripping sole
- No slippery leather soles, no flip-flops, and no bare feet
- Make sure the ladder is in good working conditions
- If it wobbles on level ground, don’t use it
- Always place your ladder on level ground
- One person on the ladder at a time
- Avoid sudden movements or weight shifts
- Keep your hands free when you climb up the ladder
- Keep three points of contact at all times
- Two hands, one foot. Two feet, one hand
Don’t start off the holiday season with a broken arm. Practice good ladder etiquette and have a safe and happy ladder season!
