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Weekly Toolbox Talk: 3 Keys to Work Safe on Ladders

3 Keys to Work Safe on Ladders

 

NOTE: MAREK is proud to provide valuable benefits to employees like you. 

To help you understand and take full advantage of these benefits, we’re offering paid in person meetings during work hours for our field employees. 

 

Please check and get approval from your supervisor to confirm which date you can attend. 

We will be hosting in-person meetings in both English and Spanish from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM in the North/South Training Rooms and Atrium at the MAREK office on the following dates: 

 

  • Wednesday, May 21 

  • Tuesday, May 27 

  • Tuesday, June 3 

 

If you're unable to attend in person, you may join a virtual meeting instead. Please note that virtual meetings are held outside of work hours and will not be paid. Links to join the virtual sessions will be sent via text. 

We encourage all employees to participate and learn more about the great benefits MAREK offers! 

 

WAR ON FALLS 

3 KEYS TO WORK SAFE ON LADDERS 

 

Grab a ladder. Stand it up and climb.  So simple anyone can do it, right? 

 

But if it really were all that simple, 130,000 people wouldn’t get hurt on ladders each year, would they?

 

Most ladder accidents are caused by improper selection, setup, or use, not defects. 

 

SELECTION 

Be sure the ladder you select is strong enough to support your weight and any materials you need.  Select a ladder that is going to reach your work area, in some cases, you might need a taller ladder depending on the type of work. 

           

  • Type IA ladders have a duty rating of 300 pounds. 

  • Type I have a duty rating of 250 pounds 

  • Type II has a duty rating of 225 pounds. 

  • Type III are the most lightweight and have a duty rating of 200 pounds 

 

SET UP 

  • Place ladder feet evenly on firm ground or a hard floor.   

  • Make sure the ladder stands straight and stable.   

  • When using an extension ladder, the top of the ladder should extend three feet beyond a roof edge or stepping-off point, like a platform. 

  • Brace the feet of the ladder where there is a chance of the feet slipping. 

 

USE 

  • Always inspect ladders prior to their use 

Only company-approved ladders (four-foot ladders or personal ladders are not allowed) 

  • Be sure the steps and rungs are free of grease, oil, wet paint, mud, and paper. 

  • Face the ladder when climbing. 

  • Use a 3-point climb, two hands and one foot 

  • Climb first, then pull any materials up with a rope or let your partner hand it over to you 

  • Keep your feet in the center of the step or rung. 

  • Do not walk up the ladder or lean against the wall 

  • No straddling on the top 

  • Limited to standing on the third rung from the top on step ladders 

  • Use ladders only for their design purpose 

  • Most importantly, do not overreach from the ladder or lean too far to one side.