Construction Site Ladder Accident Prevention

Ladders are used on construction sites to make large scale jobs easy. However, when they are carelessly used, it may lead to potential hazards. According to OSHA, every year about three dozen fatalities and 25,000 injuries result from ladder accidents. Under the New York Labor Law, contractors and owners are required to furnish ladders whenever necessary to give proper protection to an employee on a construction site. If a contractor or owner violates this, they can be held completely responsible for the injuries of their workers.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) aims at preventing ladder accidents at construction sites. Below are safety guidelines by OSHA for using a ladder. Following the ladder safety requirements can minimise the risk of a serious accident.

·         Ladder Design: All portable ladders should be designed to support at least four times the maximum intended load. Workers should not apply load beyond this capacity.

·         Positioning of Ladders: Ladders should be correctly positioned on flat surfaces to avoid slip and falls from ladders.

·         Side Rails: The side rails must extend at least 3 feet above the landing surface. If it is not possible, a rigid support and a grab device should be used.

·         Grab Rails: Grab rails should be provided to assist workers in mounting and dismounting the ladder.

·         Angle between Ladder and the Wall: The angle between the ladder and the wall must be such that the working length of the ladder is about four times the horizontal distance from its foot and the wall.

·         Ladder Inspection: All the components of a ladder must be inspected by a competent person before each use.

·         Areas around the Top and Bottom of the Ladder: During any operation, the area around the top and bottom of the ladder must be kept clear in order to avoid the risk of a serious injury.

·         Worker Training: The employer must provide a training program to all the workers using ladders. The workers will be trained on the nature of fall hazards; the procedures for using the fall protection systems; the proper construction, use, placement, and care in handling of all stairways and ladders; and the maximum intended load-carrying capacities of ladders.

·         Do Not Tie Ladders Together: Ladders must not be tied together to reach long positions unless they are specifically designed for such use.