Climbing to Safety: Ladder Safety Month

The month of March is Ladder Safety Month. This is the perfect opportunity to share essential tips for staying safe while using a ladder, whether at home, in the office, or on a job site. Your safety matters, no matter the height, so let’s discuss some important tips about proper ladder use. 

Three-point contact rule  

The three points of contact rule is straight forward and an excellent rule to follow when using a ladder. You want to maintain a three-point contact by always keeping two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand on the ladder. This will help to not only keep you stable on the ladder but help you to recover if you do accidently slip or lose your footing or hand support.   

Tips for ladder safety  

Along with following the three-point contact rule, there are several other things to keep in mind when using a ladder. 

Here are a few tips to help ensure you stay safe when working at an elevated height:  

1. Use the right ladder for the job 
2. Investigate the ladder for any issues before climbing 
3. Ensure the ladder is placed on level, clean, and cleared ground 
4. Don’t use ladders in extreme weather 
5. Don’t overreach when using a ladder  
6. Make sure the ladder is placed properly and is free from obstacles  
7. Use a tool belt to ensure your hands are free 
8. Only one person should be on a ladder at a time 
9. Wear proper, non-slip footwear 
10. Don’t extend a ladder beyond the sections’ minimum overlap so that it is no longer stable 
11. Avoid leaning sideways from a ladder over an edge of a floor opening 
12. Try not to work at heights for an extended amount of time 
13. Don’t move the ladder until you are back on the ground 
14. Climb up and down the ladder slowly, ensuring you take your time 
15. If you feel lightheaded or dizzy, dismount the ladder immediately 

Dangers of Poor Ladder Safety 

Falls from ladders, at any height can be dangerous. Sudden bumps or jolts can cause the brain to bounce back and forth in the skull, causing injuries of varying degrees. Concussions can cause functional changes in how our brains work. Concussions most often occur because of blows to the head during:  

• Sports and recreation activities 

• Car accidents 

• Slips and falls 

• Workplace incidents 

Individuals who experience concussions will likely fully recover within a few days or weeks. Others may, unfortunately, experience consequences for more extended periods.   

Most concussions are preventable. Below are some actions you can take to protect yourself on the job:  

• Wear protective headgear when working at heights or when there is a risk of falling objects. 

• Follow fall protection plans for your workplace. 

• Ensure you have high-quality, undamaged headgear that complies with CSA or ANSI standards for head protection. 

• Check that your head protection fits properly and is secure. 

As we recognize Ladder Safety Month, it's crucial to remind ourselves and others of the importance of safe practices while using ladders. Remember to inspect your ladder before use, maintain three points of contact, and never overreach! By keeping these tips in mind, you ensure the job is completed properly and safely.