Ladder Safety

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Learning Objectives

Because ladders are such simple and familiar tools, the dangers of their use can be easily overlooked. The consequences of a fall from a ladder, even from a relatively low height, are often serious. With every increasing foot of elevation, the fatality rate rises. At eleven feet, more than fifty percent of all falls from ladders are fatal.

Many falls from ladders are the result of misuse or defects in the ladder. Used improperly, a ladder can slide, tip, slip, or break. When it breaks, the climber can be thrown to the ground or traffic. Even a ladder suitable for one use may cause a fatal accident when used the wrong way or in the wrong application. CONN-OSHA requires employers to train all employees to recognize hazards related to ladders and provide instruction to enable them to minimize these hazards.

This CIRMA training and education program will instruct participants on the proper selection, use, and maintenance of ladders.

Topics include:

• General safety and how to select the proper type and duty rating of the ladder.
• Ladder maintenance and inspection for wood, metal, and fiberglass ladders.
• Proper ladder use, including barricading, fall protection, and materials handling.
• Ladder positioning.
• Ladder hazards.
• Maintenance and safety checklist.

Audience

This training and education program is designed for:

• Risk managers/Safety directors
• Fire chiefs/Fire safety officers
• Maintenance personnel
• Public Works directors/supervisors
• Parks & Recreation directors/supervisors
• School custodians
• Safety Committees

"OSHA research has concluded that 100% of ladder accidents might be eliminated with proper attention to the application of equipment, and the proper training of climbers."