February Safety Toolbox 2022

Due to high usage in the Workplace, ladders can be used frequently or
only occasionally. The most common hazards to avoid are:
• Failing to secure the ladder properly
• Overreaching
• Climbing, or descending carelessly
• Carrying too heavy or bulky loads
Injuries from ladder accidents can be severe or fatal. OSHA requires that employees working
four feet or more above the floor or ground should be guarded by fall protection.

(www.OSHA.gov).

Meeting Start Question

• How many feet above the floor or ground is needed before fall protection is required?
• How can you eliminate a fall hazard?
• How should ladders be properly stored?

Critical Safety Point

Using ladders safely begins with choosing the right one for the job. All ladders in use must be
able to support their maximum intended load and have parallel rungs supported by a rail on
each side.
• Railing– The sides of the ladder joined at intervals by either rungs, steps, cleats, or rear
braces.
• Parallel Rung– the cross-piece of a ladder on which a person steps to climb up and
down.
Instructions:
Use this Safety Toolbox
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retention with the
associated quiz.
City of Memphis Workplace Safety & Compliance
Safety Is the Way We Live!
2
Types of Ladder:
• Straight ladders – Lean a straight ladder onto a structure to reach an upper level. When
using a straight ladder, the top of the ladder must exceed the height of the structure it’s
leaned on by three feet and it must be leaned at a 75-degree angle—i.e. 1:4 or 1 foot
out from the wall for every four feet of ladder height. Height is typically between 10 to
30 feet.
• Extension ladders – Extension ladders, available in 16 to 60-ft heights, are straight
ladders with a base section and a fly section that can be adjusted for various heights.
• Platform ladders – Platform ladders are step ladders with a platform area and a top
handrail. The same guidelines apply as for A-frame ladders.
Avoid Hazards- Think proactively and prevent contact with anything that could affect the
stability of your ladder, such as slippery surfaces, other people, and vehicles. If your ladder is
set up in a high traffic area, such as a doorway or aisle, secure your ladder and/or set up a
barricade around it to prevent accidental contact.
3 Point of Contact Rule– The three point of contact rule can significantly reduce the chance of a
fall. The 3 point of contact rule means three of your four limbs are in contact with the ladder at
all times- two hands and one foot, or two feet and on hand. The 3 point rule allows a person to
have maximum stability and support.

Proper Storage of a Ladder:
• Return Ladders to storage area after use.
• Ladders should be secured to the wall.
• Store ladders where they are protected from weather.

When injuries happen, employees should alert their manager.  The manager or manager on duty reports injuries to Sedgwick at 1-877-576-1911.