There are many professions that you might associate with ladders. Construction workers are known to use ladders to perform their roles. Landscapers might use ladders to clear off debris from roofs and gutters. Ladders are sometimes used by painters and plumbers to perform the duties of their jobs. Did you know that ladders are used in a lot of professions, even some that aren’t technically considered the “trades?”
Those who have a job that requires them to use a ladder need to know how to use the ladder properly or it could lead to an injury in the workplace which could result in a Connecticut workers’ compensation claim. Therefore, no matter what your profession is, if your employer requires that you use a ladder in your role, you need to know exactly how to use the ladder and just as importantly how not to use the ladder so you and your co-workers can remain safe.
One of the first and most important things you should know is how to properly operate the ladder that you are using. There are all different kinds of ladders so it is impossible to give an overview of the proper way to use them all, but there are a few general rules that apply to all ladders regardless of the job you are using them to complete. In order to safely use a ladder you should follow these rules which will help you avoid any accidents that could lead to an injury.
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Choose the right ladder for the job. If you’re using a ladder and you still need to stretch to reach what you are trying to do, it is not the right ladder for the job. In some cases a step ladder will do the trick, but for other jobs you will need an extension ladder. If you are a professional, you should know which ladder to use when, but if you are not familiar with the different types of ladders you should seek the guidance of someone who is before you start on your project.
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Always place the ladder on a level surface. It may not always be easy to find a completely level surface to place your ladder on, but this is a critical piece to keeping you safe while using the ladder. Do your best and take extra time with this step if you need to to make sure that you are on as stable ground as you possibly can be before you climb on the ladder. If the feet of the ladder are not stable you are asking for trouble and an accident is bound to happen.
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Once you’re on the ladder you should always maintain a 3-point contact with the ladder. You should have at least two hands and one foot on the ladder at all times. If you stray from this rule of thumb you could be putting yourself in danger of falling from the ladder and injuring yourself. If you’re on the ladder and you need your hands to perform the job that you’re climbing up to do, you should make sure that if your hands are not on the ladder that you have both feet firmly planted on the rung that you are standing on to help avoid an accident.
One final thing you need to make sure you do (or don’t do in this case) is to overload the ladder. Every ladder has a recommended weight limit and if you are putting more weight on the ladder then it is designed to handle it could put you in a situation where the ladder becomes wobbly and unstable. This type of strain being put on a ladder is one way to make it dangerous for you to be on the ladder.
Whether you use a ladder in the daily duties of your job or it’s only a once in a while type thing, it is important that you understand how to operate a ladder safely. If you do not follow the guidance above you may put yourself at risk of an injury and when you are injured on the job you may need to file a Connecticut workers’ compensation claim. If you do get injured when using a ladder you should notify your immediate supervisor right away so you can document the injury that you suffered while at work.
If you get injured and you need to go through the process of filing a claim you may need a board certified attorney to understand your situation and guide you through the process of filing a claim. Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will review your situation and work with you on protecting your long-term interests.
