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 consider:
Inspecting the Ladder
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 remove from service immediately. Technically you can make repairs to the ladder but with the number of lawsuits regarding ladders I 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 caused due to incorrect usage:
It’s the superintendent’s responsibility to have a safety plan, train employees on ladder safety practices and ensure that ladder inspections are performed.
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