March is ladder safety month, and it is the perfect time to assess your ladder practices to ensure maximum safety for your teams. In the U.S. alone, anywhere from 300 to 700 people die each year from ladder-related accidents, and more than 500,000 people are treated for related injuries annually. Most accidents occur due to dangerous use like improper setup, carrying materials while on the ladder, and overreaching, so companies need to adopt and reinforce policies and practices to keep staff safe.

As the weather improves and managers are planning their seasonal maintenance checklists, companies can take several steps to make ladder use safer for their teams:

• Schedule work for optimal weather, avoiding windy days, precipitation, or ice on the ground in early spring.
• Before you begin, check applicable regulations to confirm that you do not need fall protection equipment for the job.
• Choose a ladder based on the task. They range to include stepladders, extension, articulating, and platform, so determine which type best suits your needs.
• Inspect the ladder’s condition. Check for any loose rungs, cracks or damage before use and avoid using a ladder with any damage.
• Check the equipment load rating so you can be sure that the worker and materials do not exceed the ladder’s capacity.
• Wear gear like non-slip footwear, hardhat, and gloves to improve grip and stay protected.
• Set up on stable ground, turning the front or the back to face the building, rather than using it sideways.
• When tools or materials are need for the job, use a toolbelt, rope and bucket system, or harness with attachments to keep hands free for climbing.
• When using a stepladder for lower heights, choose a ladder that is about 3 ft. shorter than the highest point you have to reach for maximum stability and access.
• Always maintain three points of contact while climbing, centre yourself, and always face the ladder to remain stable.
• Lift and carry the ladder if working in multiple locations. Dragging it can cause damage, decrease stability, and make use less safe.
• Use available resources as a guideline, create training manuals, and conduct sessions to ensure that staff are familiar with safety policies and procedures.

Ladders are often used for interior and exterior maintenance projects, and practicing safe ladder use protects your teams, keep you compliant, and maintains the integrity of your business.