10 Ways to Improve Ladder Safety in Your Workplace

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, nearly 500,000 individuals get treated for ladder-related injuries every year. Most of them are workers who either did not follow safety regulations or were not trained to use ladders without injuring themselves. Unfortunately, accidents can lead to lawsuits.
According to Illinois Worker Compensation laws, every employee is at risk of being injured, and therefore, should be protected in the workplace. While all workers should undergo appropriate training before they can use ladders, they can be proactive with their safety by following these tips:

• Make sure the ladder is placed on a stable and level surface. Otherwise, it can slip, especially if a worker is carrying products up the ladder.
• The ladder should be positioned in such a way that there is a 3-feet distance between it and the wall or vertical surface.
• The ladder should be secured to ensure it does not slip.
• Make sure there is a visible barricade around the ladder to keep traffic away.
• Do not exceed the maximum load rating of the ladder or it may slip from its support.
• Use the ladder only for the purpose it is designed and approved for and not for anything else.
• Inspect each ladder before use to ensure it is not damaged. Damaged ladders should be replaced as soon as possible. This includes those with cracks, bends, loose connections or any other issue that can compromise the safety of workers.
• The ladder should not be modified in any way. Any changes can compromise its stability, which can lead to accidents.
• Allow an experienced ladder inspector to inspect the ladder each time before use. This can be a worker who has been trained to do this.
• Do not hesitate to replace the ladder with other options (such as a scissor lift) if you think the ladder is not the best tool for a job.

By following these tips, your workers can significantly reduce the number of ladder-related injuries and/or prevent tragic results from an accident. However, whether an injured worker is back on their feet in a day or months, is your insurance coverage enough to pay compensation? There may be other dangers you are unaware of, which can result in expensive lawsuits. You can do something about it with a training program. While training programs can reduce risks, they cannot eliminate risks 100 percent.

Your aim should be to maximize your insurance coverage and reduce risks at the same time. This is where SIA Insurance Group can help you. We take a proactive approach to insurance and will work with you to create solutions that can meet your risk management needs. Every client is promptly handled including providing industry specific solutions, which can reduce risks without compromising your bottom line. We offer our services in Woodridge, Illinois, so get in touch with us for a consultation today.