Regarding ladder safety, while working at the top of a ladder, some important rules and practices should always be followed. Always maintain three points of contact with the ladder, keeping two hands and one foot – or two feet and one hand – firmly on the ladder. Wearing gloves can also help provide additional grip while climbing or descending your ladder or step.
If you need to carry tools or materials when climbing or descending a ladder, ensure they are secured in a work belt or tool pouch. If a tool falls out of your hands, you could lose your balance and fall suddenly, causing personal injury.
Also, ensure to stay within reach when on a ladder; instead, move your ladder or step to a new position, then reach without having to overextend. Never leave tools on ladders; take them with you when coming down so that no one trips over them accidentally.
Ladder Safety Month, an initiative from the American Ladder Institute, takes place in March. We encourage you to download the ladder safety resources, including this PDF on ‘Safety at the Top‘, to understand what to look out for when you are at the top of your ladder or step.
TB Davies offers a range of Ladder Association and PASMA-accredited courses, with courses taking place every month to help you and your team understand the importance of safety when working at height. Contact our sales team for more details of the next working at height training course or find out the nearest class in your area.
