Johnny and Carl worked for a small roofing contractor and were repairing a leak on a residential shingle roof. When they got to the jobsite, Carl set the ladder against the side of the house and climbed onto the roof where he began assessing the damaged section of roof. His coworker, Johnny, gathered some tools and began to climb the ladder as well. When Johnny was only half-way up, he felt the ladder slip. The ladder started to slide and carried Johnny with it. Luckily the roof was only 10 feet in height and Johnny only fell 5 feet. The fall did however break Johnny’s arm and put him out of work for a while.
DISCUSSION NOTES:
Had Carl tied the ladder off and placed it at least 3 feet above the roof’s edge, then this accident could have been prevented. The first man up the ladder has the responsibility to assure the ladder is secured and safe for the other employees to climb. What else could have contributed to this incident?
Ladder Safety Tips
• Power Lines – Even ladders made of wood or fiber glass should not be used in the vicinity of power lines or other electrical hazards.
• Positioning – Ladders should extend above the eaves by 3 to 3-1/2′ and sit on a firm level base. Leveling can be attained by digging or by use of adjustable leg levelers
• Ladder Angle – To achieve the proper angle, the distance of the foot of the ladder from the wall supporting it should be one quarter (1/4) of the height of the wall.
• Tie-off – A ladder in place for use over an extended period should be tied off at the bottom rung to a stake driven into the ground and near the top with an eye bolt or another way to secure.
• Over-reaching – NEVER over-reach to either side while on a ladder. A good rule to follow is to keep your belt buckle between the rails.
• Not a Plank – Do not use the ladder or even a section of a ladder as a plank or to provide stiffness to a wooden plank. Besides the danger of failure, the stresses set up during this usage loosen the ladder’s connecting points.
• Step Ladders – Step ladders are intended for use fully opened, not closed and leaning against a wall. The highest step for standing on is 2 feet below the top.
• Inspection – A ladder should be inspected every time it is set up for use. Check the ladder from bottom to top for any visible defects or wear, and that it’s correctly and securely anchored and properly positioned.
