Ladder Safety: How to Avoid Ladder Falls

A trip to the ER can be more costly than what you save in DIY.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), as of 2019, the second leading cause of accidental injury-related deaths was falls. During that year alone, 39,443 people died as a result of falls, and of those deaths, 25,400 occurred at home. Additionally, emergency rooms treated in excess of 8 million fall-related injuries in 2019.

The great news is that fall-related ER visits and deaths are 100% preventable, according to the NSC.

It’s absolutely vital to:

1. PLAN AHEAD.
2. ASSESS ALL RISKS.
3. USE PROPER EQUIPMENT. 

If you plan to work on a ladder, roof or scaffolding, it’s crucial to have a spotter. Be sure to work on level ground and under favorable weather conditions, and to check your equipment thoroughly for safety and to wear slip-resistant shoes.

Additionally, you must follow all safety rules suggested by the equipment manufacturer and be properly trained on all equipment you plan to use. Additionally, it’s imperative to ensure all ladders lock in place or lean firmly against a solid surface. Finally, it’s important to scan the area where you will be working to remove all potential hazards before beginning the job.

If you’re a DIYer, make sure you’re in good physical health and that you have prepared your body for the extra exertion that climbing to heights requires. The NSC also suggests that risky projects, such as siding, roof or gutter installations or repairs are better left to professionals who are trained, have proper clothing and equipment to do the job. We agree.

Phillips Home Improvements is here to help you. We take the fear, guesswork and risk out of home improvements that involve heights. So just relax and give us a call. We’ll do the climbing for you!