Accessories for Safer Ladder Use

© standret – stock.adobe.com

Steps you can take to prevent incidents and injuries.

By: Maureen Paraventi

Versatile, easy to use and easy to move from one location to another, ladders are ubiquitous in U.S. workplaces. They are vital for:

• Warehousing and logistics, to reach high shelves and manage inventory.
• Construction, with tasks that require a worker to access elevated work areas, such as roofing, painting, and installing fixtures.
• Maintenance and repair, like cleaning gutters, performing routine maintenance, repairing electrical systems and replacing light bulbs.
• Telecommunications, for the installation and maintenance of cables, antennas, and other communication equipment.
• Retail, to stock shelves and arrange displays.

Unfortunately, ladder-related injuries and fatalities are common. Each year, an estimated half a million people in the U.S. seek treatment for injuries caused by ladder use. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 161 fatal work injuries in 2020.¹

Causes of ladder incidents include:

• Setting up an extension ladder at the wrong angle, which can cause it to slide out at the base. The recommended angle is approximately 75 degrees.
• Using a ladder that is too short or not strong enough for the job can lead to instability and structural failure.
• Failure to inspect ladders for damage or deterioration before use. Serious structural problems can go undetected – until an incident occurs.
• Improper ladder use, such as overreaching, carrying heavy objects while climbing or not using three points of contact.
• Placing ladders on uneven or slippery surfaces, which increases tip-over risk.

Accessories can help prevent incidents involving ladders. © Cheangchai – stock.adobe.com

ACCESSORIES CAN HELP

In addition to following proper procedures, using the right ladder type and size for the application and ensuring that the ladder is structurally sound, accessories can help prevent incidents and injuries.

Ladder stabilizers: also known as standoffs, help to keep the ladder steady and prevent it from slipping sideways. They also protect surfaces like walls and gutters from damage. Some options include:

• Wing span/wall ladder standoff: This accessory effectively widens the base for ladder to increase stability. It facilitates working around obstacles and can add stability when working in the extension position.
• Rubber end caps: These fit on the ends of the stabilizer to prevent slipping.
• Adjustable aluminum ladder stabilizer: These can be adjusted to fit different ladder sizes. They provide a secure grip.

Ladder levelers: these are attached to ladders’ legs. They help stabilize ladders on uneven surfaces, such as stairs or sloping ground. Examples include:

• Adjustable ladder leveler that allows for precise adjustment to accommodate various surface angles.
• Ground leveler, which is designed to keep the ladder stable when placed on uneven terrain.

Ladder hooks: These shepherd’s crook-shaped hooks are used in roofing, to provide a stable platform even with steep roofs. They attach to the top of the ladder to secure it to a roof or other structure to provide stability. In addition to improving safety, ladder hooks prevent damage to roofing materials.

Ladder jacks: Used to create a scaffold platform by connecting two ladders. It’s important to note that the ladders must be on stable, level ground and that the jacks securely attached to the rungs. Ladder jacks can reduce the number of times ladders must be moved in order to complete a task.

Ladder safety straps: Also known as ladder tie-downs, these straps secure the ladder to a fixed point to prevent it from tipping over, especially on uneven or slippery surfaces. Ladder safety straps are wrapped around the ladder rungs and then secured to a stable structure, such as a wall, roof or pole.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Accessories can only serve their intended purpose if the ladder to which they’re affixed is in good condition. Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to ensure the longevity and safety of your ladders. Some problems to be on the lookout for include cracks, deformed rails, weak joints, loose screws or bolts, rust and corrosion of metal parts or worn non-slip feet treads. Maintenance should include regular cleanings, especially if a ladder has been exposed to harsh chemicals.²

Keep in mind that ladders, like all types of workplace equipment, have a useful life.² That depends, in part, on their material.

• Fiberglass ladders can last from five to 15 years. The wide range depends upon whether the fiberglass ladder gets heavy use, a great deal of outdoor use or is not properly maintained.
• Aluminum ladders can last longer than 15 years, if they are well-maintained and stored properly, in a space that is dry.

Ladder longevity can also be affected by:

• Exposure to extremely hot or cold temperatures, excessive humidity and UV radiation
• Loads that exceed the ladder’s weight capacity
• The ladder being dropped or dragged over harsh terrain
• The ladder coming in contact with harsh chemicals. This can be especially damaging for aluminum and fiberglass ladders. WMHS