Ladders are indispensable in golf maintenance, so it’s very important that all employees on the team are aware of how to safely use a ladder. Most people have used a ladder at some point in their lives, however, few people know how to use a ladder safely. In fact, thousands of ladder accidents occur each year, and hundreds of those accidents result in death. Ladder accidents in the workplace are common, but they’re also very preventable.
In order to prevent accidents, everyone who uses ladders should know how to properly select, inspect, and operate a ladder.
First, Pick the Right Ladder Type
There are several different kinds of ladders designed for different tasks, and it’s very important that the right type of ladder is used for the task.
Some of the types of ladders are: step stools, step ladders, and extension ladders. To select the right ladder to consider:
It’s very important to check the ladder’s condition every time you use it. A faulty ladder cannot be used safely, so everyone on the team should be trained on how to inspect the ladder prior to using it.
Look for:
Make sure that:
If any irregularities like the above are noticed, the ladder should be removed from service immediately. Technically you can make repairs to ladders but with the number of lawsuits regarding ladders we recommend throwing defective ladders away and purchasing new if they need repair.
Ladder Safety Guidelines
Among the most common hazards associated with ladders are slips, trips, falls, electric shock and ladder tip over. Most ladder accidents can be prevented by ensuring that everyone on the team is trained to use ladders correctly.
The following measures will greatly reduce the risk of ladder accidents:
It’s the superintendent’s responsibility to have a safety plan, train employees on ladder safety practices and ensure that ladder inspections are performed.
RECEIVE FREE POSTERS & SAFETY TIPS
to subscribe to our newsletter, get free safety posters and more safety resources!
MORE SAFETY ARTICLES
When the golf offseason rolls around and winter approaches, it is essential for golf course maintenance crews to be aware of the potential hazards that come with colder temperatures and how to protect themselves. The safety of your team should always be a top priority, and taking the necessary steps to prepare for the season
Golf course facilities store several potentially hazardous chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, and fungicides. That means when it comes to chemical safety in the workplace, there’s no such thing as an OVERreaction. Every one of your crew members, whether they work directly or indirectly, with chemicals, should be aware of the risks involved and
Did you know there are eight million lightning strikes worldwide, daily? Annually,100-200 people are killed by lightning strikes, with many more being injured. Golfers and golf course employees are at especially high risk when hazardous weather approaches. So how do you keep your crew safe from lightning strikes? We spoke to Brian Birney, CGCS, who
Working on the golf course can be incredibly rewarding for both the superintendent and the crew, but this job doesn’t come without risks! To maintain a safe, healthy workplace with consistently high morale, you must properly inform your crew on how to avoid safety hazards. Part of that process is helping your crew understand their
On the golf course, your crew works with mowers, tractors, bunker rakes, and other utility vehicles. All of these vehicles have batteries, and just like on all devices, these batteries won’t last forever. Vehicle batteries usually last a few years, depending on how well they’re cared for. However, a minor mistake like leaving a key
15 items that should be in your first aid kit Accidents can happen any day, especially in golf course maintenance. Your crew is exposed to a myriad of hazards, so first aid is an essential part of your safety program. In most circumstances, it will take more than a few minutes to get medical attention
Sign up for our newsletter here