Masonry Magazine June 1974 Page. 26
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Improper Use Causes Most Ladder Accidents
The proper way to use a ladder. Note that it is tied off and is at a correct angle.
Ladders of all descriptions are a familiar sight on construction projects. Unhappily, they are a common cause of accidents. In the Ontario (Canada) construction industry, 1,100 injuries were reported in 1972 as a result of falls from ladders and stairs.
Investigations have shown that less than 20 percent of ladder accidents are attributable to defective equipment; the other 80 percent are due to improper use.
A ladder is a piece of equipment that should be used only where a more suitable means of access is impractical. However, since there are many occasions when this is the case, it is important that every worker should know the hazards and be aware of the appropriate safety measures.
A ladder designed and manufactured for household or domestic use has no place on a construction project. Such a ladder is usually adequate for the annual household paint job or the occasional retrieval of a ball caught in the gutter, but they are not built for the constant traffic of construction operation.
Use ladders classified as heavy duty grade, meeting the requirements of the appropriate standards organization, designed and manufactured for commercial use.
Abuse of ladders during transportation and on-site erection contributes greatly to the frequency of ladder accidents.
The Research and Development Department of the Construction Safety Association of Ontario has found that carelessness in handling is responsible for many ladder accidents. Ladders should be raised or lowered by at least two men since it is extremely difficult for one man to handle a ladder properly. If the ladder strikes the ground, unseen damage may be caused and at a later time result in a failure. Carelessness in loading a ladder on a truck rack is another contributing cause of fiber failure in wood ladders.
A damaged ladder should be repaired or removed.
Ladders properly used, cared for, and maintained, have a long life and give continued service over many years.
-Construction Safety Counsellor
masonry • June, 1974