Tips to Ensure Ladders are Used Safely
- Do a risk assessment for the specific job involving work at height. Look at the different work elements involved in the task, the duration of the activity and how easy the area is to access. Check that a ladder is the best piece of equipment for the job – if the task is likely to take longer than 30 minutes and is not low risk, then it is best to consider using a mobile elevating work platform or scaffold tower, for example.
- Ensure that workers are trained in the use of ladders. Make sure they position them correctly, on flat ground and have them tied or footed as necessary. Check that ladders extend above the work area being accessed, to ensure that workers have something to hold onto as they reach the top.
- Look after your ladders to avoid them getting damaged. Don’t keep them outside in the rain, and hang them up to stop them being knocked over. Throw them away if they are broken and cannot be repaired.
- Make sure that, where feasible, worker’s hands are freed up to remain in contact with the ladder by using tool belts or similar.
- Inspect your ladders regularly, and always before each use. Check that they are not warped or bent, that the rungs and platform are straight, and that the locking mechanism works properly. Report any defects immediately, and take the ladder out of use until it is repaired.
Take the time today to make sure that your work practices involving ladders are safe, and that they are properly planned and supervised.
Contact us if you require advice.
The risks from hand/arm vibration can often be easily managed, but it is vital that the correct measures are put into place. Check today that your workers are protected when using power tools and other similar equipment.
- Do a risk assessment to help identify the hazards associated with vibration in relation to the tools your workers use, and the jobs they are required to do. Look at both individuals and groups of workers who may be at risk.
- Work out which of your tools emit vibration and each of the tasks they are used for. See what control measures are needed to either remove or reduce the vibration risk, such as introducing maximum time limits for the use of each tool. Check the manufacturer’s instructions and guidance for information about this.
- Train workers to use hand-held tools in the correct way. Make sure they do not apply excessive force but instead allow the tool to do the work.
- Introduce health surveillance for those potentially at risk of ill-health from vibration. Teach staff about the symptoms to look out for, such as finger numbness, pain and loss of grip.
- Regularly inspect tools to check that they are in a good condition. Make sure that tools are not blunt, and that where feasible, dampeners are in place.
Contact us if you require advice.
A fall from height is one of the most common reasons for a workplace fatality – be sure to take the time today to check that everyone on your site is protected from falling into pits and other work spaces.
- Do a risk assessment to determine where your fall from height hazards exist. Think about steps, pits, holes and other open areas, and how people could fall into them when working on or near them. Install guard rails and barriers, and hand-holds on stairs.
- Mark the edges of all pits and level changes with bright paint. Cover all open pits with boards that are secured down to prevent them moving. Check that coverings can take the weight of anything intended to be put on it.
- Ensure good levels of lighting at all times, both inside and outside buildings. Highlight areas where people could fall with signage and prevent unauthorised access. Escort visitors at all times to prevent them wandering into dangerous areas.
- Discuss falls from height with workers on induction, and at regular intervals such as during toolbox talks. Supervise worker activities and undertake regular inspections of work areas to ensure that the controls identified in risk assessments relating to falls are being implemented and used correctly.
- Look at ways of preventing workers from walking backwards – for example, when guiding vehicles or plant into inspection areas – by avoiding the need for vehicles to reverse. Use designated one-way routes where possible.
Contact Walker Health and Safety Services Limited should you require assistance.
