39 think first 09242024

Vol.25 | No.39 | Week of 09-29-25

Date:

LADDER SAFETY

Use the right
ladder for the
job..
!

Job Name:

Supervisor Signature:

Ladders — Gravity Always Wins

As soon as you set foot on the ladderís first rung and pull your body off the
ground, gravity works to bring you back to earth. Therefore, ladder safety begins
from the ground up.

Start with a Good Foundation

Proper ladder setup will help prevent slips and falls. Place the base on a firm, solid
surface. Avoid slippery, wet or soft surfaces. Place a board under the ladderís
feet to provide firm footing if you must. Make sure the top of the ladder has firm
support as well.

Never lean a ladder against an unstable surface. If youíre using a straight or
extension ladder, the angle of the ladder is the next critical safety factor. A straight
or extension ladder should be placed 1 foot away from the surface it rests against
for every 4 feet of ladder height. For example, if the ladder is 4 feet high, the
bottom of the ladder should be 1 foot away from the support surface.

If you use a ladder to access a roof or platform, make sure the ladder extends at
least 3 feet above the landing.

Be sure to securely fasten straight and extension ladders to the upper support. If
you have angled the ladder properly and still have doubts about its stability, have
someone hold the ladder before climbing up.

If youíre using a step ladder, be sure to open it completely before you climb. If
you have to use a step ladder near a doorway, lock or barricade the door and post
signs so no one will open it and knock you off the ladder.

Climb with Care

When you climb, always face the ladder and grip the rungs of the ladder to climb,
not the side rails. Never get on or off a ladder from the side unless it has been
secured to prevent movement.

Never climb with equipment in your hands. Use your pockets, equipment belt,
or a tool pouch and raise heavy objects with a hand line. If you forget something,
always climb down the ladder to retrieve it yourself; donít have someone toss it
up to you. And never ask someone to climb up your ladder to give you supplies. It
is dangerous to exceed the weight limits that a specific ladder can handle.

When you descend a ladder, practice the same safety rules. Face the ladder, keep
your body square and hold on to the rungs. Lastly, step off at the bottom rung of
the ladder. Never jump off of a ladder.

Vol.25 | No.39 | Week of 09-29-25

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