Ladder safety

Need to climb a ladder? Then it's time to call a friend!

Ladders are an essential piece of equipment for use at home and work. But falls from ladders are among the most common types of trauma we see that result in rib fractures and chest wall injuries, among others. Before you climb a ladder, make sure you use every available safety measure, and understand the best way to use that particular ladder for that particular job. And never use a ladder alone. Having a second person helping to hold the base and looking out for you and your surroundings as you climb, is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your safety. A second person can stabilize the ladder, watch out for hazards you may have missed, and hand you tools and material so that you can maintain three points of contact on the ladder at all times.

And if you think it too much trouble, consider how much trouble you will have recovering from a fall that caused a broken leg, arm, pelvis, spine, rib, or even a brain injury. Ask yourself, "is this task worth the risk of me climbing alone?"

For more tips and guidance on how to be safe while climbing a ladder, please visit the American Ladder Institute's ladder safety training page