How to Prevent Ladder Injuries in Florida Job Sites from Occurring

When setting up your ladder to paint, install something, work on electrical issues or reach something on the store’s shelf, think twice before taking that first step. There are some important things you should know about regarding ladder injuries at work in Florida.

A large percentage of workplace ladder accidents could be prevented if employees were trained properly, were provided with proper fall protective equipment, had safe work conditions and were given safe equipment for the job. Employers need to put these safety measures in place to protect their employees, minimize ladder injuries and to comply with OSHA requirements.

Some OSHA rules for preventing ladder accidents and injuries on-the-job in Florida include:

• Tie ladders down when they are being transported
• Carry ladders parallel to the ground
• Look to see what the maximum load is for that ladder before use
• Use the ladder for what it was designed for
• Inspect the ladder before using it
• Do not use a ladder that is missing bolts or has structural damages, and tag it “Do Not Use”
• Verify the ground is stable and block traffic off to the work area
• Wear rubber-soled shoes and other protective clothing
• Face the ladder when climbing up or down it
• Do not carry tools in your hands – use a tool belt
• Keep three points of contact with the ladder at all times
• Do not step or stand on the top step
• Do not stand on the cross bracing
• Do not overextend while on the ladder

There are many things that you can do to prevent ladder injuries at work; however, your employer also has a duty to train you, provide you with safe equipment and make sure you are wearing the proper safety gear for the job.