Topic of the Month: “Ladder Safety”
Did you know that falls are the leading cause
of deaths in and around the home? According
to the National Safety Council, over 6,000
people die from falls in and around the home each
year, and many times that number suffer disabling
injuries. In fact, more than 30,000 people are in-
jured each year by falls involving ladders.
While there hasn’t been a ladder-related
accident at PPPL since November 2001, there have
a few serious ladder-related accidents involving
PPPL employees that have taken place outside of
the Laboratory
Portable ladders are one of the handiest,
simplest tools we use. Because of their
effectiveness,
ladders are used by many
different people to perform many
different tasks. Although ladders
are uncomplicated, planning and
care are still required to use
them safely. Ladder accidents
usually are caused by improper
selection, care or use, not by
manufacturing defects. Some
of the more common hazards
involving ladders, such as
instability, electrical shock,
and falls, can be predicted and
prevented. Prevention requires
proper planning, correct ladder selection, good work
procedures and adequate ladder maintenance.
The brief time needed to move your ladder
and to set up and secure it properly can prevent a
painful and costly accident. Listed below are some
practices that will help you avoid danger.
Rule 1: Select the Right Ladder for the Job
There are many types of ladders available,
each intended for a specifi c purpose. In addition,
they may be of wood, aluminum or fi berglass
construction and designed for light to industrial
use. For typical homeowner applications two
types are most common — straight ladders (single
or extension) and step ladders. Regardless of the
type or construction, be sure the ladder has a label
ES&H Newsletter
IN THIS ISSUE:
• Topic of the Month: “Ladder Safety”
• Containers
• Observe Safety Signs
certifying that it complies with specifi cations of the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) an