Home Improvement Information

Ladder Safety Tips


One of the many tools that home owners use regularly is a ladder. Whether you need to change the porch light bulb, clean the gutters or put something in the top of the closet. You may need a ladder to get the job done!

While ladders seem harmless enough and they are useful tools, accidents can still happen if you don't follow some simple safety tips. You may be shocked to hear that each year; more than 400,000 people are injured from a ladder accident and end up in the emergency room or doctor's office. Some injuries are as minor as cuts and scrapes while other injuries have resulted in broken bones or worse.

Below we are going to share some safety tips with you to ensure that you are properly using your ladder to get your chores done!

1. Before using the ladder, inspect it and make sure all the screws and side rails are in place. Stepping on to a ladder that isn't secure, can result in you taking a fall which is exactly what we want to avoid!

2. Check the bottom of the ladder to make sure there isn't any dirt, paint or liquid that has accumulated and will result in the ladder not being sturdy. For your safety, try to use ladders with non skid spurs - this helps the ladder to stay in place and prevent you from sliding.

3. Make sure to properly set up your ladder before climbing on. The ladder should be on a firm, level surface - never place a ladder on a surface that is uneven. Once you are certain the ladder is secure and level then make sure to lock the side rails to better secure the ladder.

4. Always position your ladder as close to the work area as you can. Do not overreach or stretch to the side, this could result in a fall if you lose your balance. It might take a little longer to finish your task if you keep getting off the ladder to reposition it but its best for your safety.

5. Never move the ladder with anything on top such as a hammer, paint can or the like. It won't feel too good to have a can of paint end up hitting you in the head - any objects for that matter!

6. Don't be lazy and pull out the step ladder if you will need the bigger ladder! Stretching and overreaching is one of the most common ways that people get hurt when using a ladder. With a bigger ladder you also have more bracing and you can lean up against it while working.

7. Most importantly always climb and descend the ladder facing it and holding on with both hands whenever possible. Also be sure to take one step at a time, if you miss a step that can end up with you falling from the ladder.

By following these few safety tips you will be able to avoid any unnecessary accidents or trips the emergency room. I know these tips sound like common sense but I see people make these simple mistakes daily for lack of thinking while working on something and trying to hurriedly finish.

Chuck Greene is an electrician with what some would call an odd love of laddders, especially the Little Giant Ladder brand. He writes an maintains the Ladder Fanatic website in his spare time - which features information about the Little Giant Ladders and testimonials for happy customers.


MORE RESOURCES:

The Associated Press

How home improvement chains fared in 3rd quarter
The Associated Press - 15 hours ago
Here's a summary of how the nation's two largest home improvement chains performed. Home Depot: Profit: $756 million, down 31 percent from last year. ...
Home Depot Posts 31% Fall in Net Income, Cuts View Wall Street Journal
Tough economy takes toll on Home Depot Atlanta Journal Constitution
Net earnings fall for US home improvement retailer Stockhouse
CNNMoney.com - Atlanta Journal Constitution
all 527 news articles


Economic Downturn Sparks New Home Improvement Trend
MarketWatch - Nov 18, 2008
With the harsh reality of uncertain economic times, and the average consumer shouldering $10000 or more in credit card debt, a new trend in home improvement ...


ABC News

Endeavour Docks at Space Station on Home-Improvement Mission
Bloomberg - Nov 16, 2008
16 (Bloomberg) -- NASA’s space shuttle Endeavour docked with the International Space Station today just after 5 pm New York time on a home-improvement ...
Video: AP Top Stories AssociatedPress
Shuttle Endeavour docks with ISS on 'home-improvement' mission RIA Novosti
Endeavour to launch on 'home improvement' flight Spaceflight Now
EastDay.com - Space Fellowship
all 5,714 news articles


TheHomeMag Experiencing Continued Growth in Slow Housing Market
MarketWatch - Nov 18, 2008
Additionally, revised numbers from HIRI (Home Improvement Research Institute) show the long-term outlook for the home improvement industry remains strong ...


Royals need home improvement
Reading Eagle, PA - Nov 17, 2008
By Don Stewart Reading, PA - Since the Reading Royals' inaugural 2001-02 season, the Sovereign Center has been a rough place for opposing teams. ...


$2 Million for Home Improvement in Elmira
WETM-TV, NY - Nov 17, 2008
ELMIRA- About two million dollars is up for grabs in the city of Elmira for you to use in home improvement projects. All you have to do is apply! ...


The Republican - MassLive.com

Holyoke officials, residents debate benefits of proposed Lowe's ...
The Republican - MassLive.com, MA - Nov 16, 2008
by The Republican Newsroom By KEN ROSS HOLYOKE - Planning Board members are touting the economic benefits of a proposed Lowe's home improvement store in ...


Key Challenges and Issues facing the World Home Furnishings Market ...
MarketWatch - Nov 18, 2008
Canada 60 Home Improvement Products - A Market Overview 60 Wall Coverings Market 60 Furniture and Fixture Market 61 Growth Drivers 61 3. ...


State files complaint against R Construction of Kaukauna
Green Bay Press Gazette, WI - 3 hours ago
The complaint alleges that in November 2005, the defendants entered into a $55250 home improvement contract with a Menasha couple promising, ...
Kaukauna contractor charged with theft, fraud Appleton Post Crescent
all 3 news articles


Obama hires another...Economic summit...Space age home improvement ...
Reiten Television KXMB Bismarck, ND - Nov 14, 2008
As the shuttle leader said, they'll be taking "home improvement to a new level" when they hook up extra cooking and sleeping equipment so the station's crew ...

Home-Improvement - Google News

home | site map
© 2006