What is Common Ground?
Common Ground shares practical
ideas that address the top safety
and health issues facing
electricians.
Common Ground is based on real-
world practices used by
Washington electrical
contractors.
Reduce on-the-job injuries: try at
least one new idea from each of
the 5 editions:
Worksite Hazard Analysis
√ Ladder Safety
Working De-Energized
Housekeeping
Lockout/Tagout
Common Ground has 5 editions
mailed bi-weekly and also
available at our web site:
www.Lni.wa.gov/Safety/Research/
HealthyWorkplaces/Electrical
If you have a safety idea that
you would like to share, or to
make comments about this
publication, we would like to
hear from you.
Please contact us:
SHARP Program
WA State Department
of Labor and Industries
PO Box 44330
Olympia, WA 98504
Email: SHARP@lni.wa.gov
Phone: 1-888-66-SHARP
11/2004
What Washington State
electrical contractors are
saying about…
Ladder Safety
Why Invest in Ladder Safety?
Managers, journeymen, apprentices,
and training center staff agree that
ladder hazards are one of the top
three safety and health concerns for
electrical contractors in Washington
State.
“Electricians spend 80% of their working life on a
ladder…so keeping that in mind…ladder safety is
pretty important for us.”
-- Electrical Training Center Staff
Step up ladder safety on your job site
Tried-and-true tips from contractors and
electricians on 3 common ladder issues:
2
1. Standing too high on a ladder
√ Supply lifts when possible
√ Ensure adequate supply
“…make sure they supply enough of the right ladder, because on a ladder job the 8- and the
10-foot ladders are going to get eaten up real quick and then that just leaves the 6, and when
you got a job to do with no ladders it’s awful tempting just to climb right up there.”
-- Electrician
2. Poor ladder condition
√ Require a daily checklist to inspect ladders
√ Require the forema