It’s that time of year again, when homeowners scramble up ladders to clean gutters, install storm windows and cut branches on trees. That is why the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) is advising people to take proper safety precautions to reduce the chance of falling or having other ladder-related accidents.
While ladders aid many household chores, accidents are more common than one realizes. Frequent injuries include cuts, bruises and fractures.
Approximately 200,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for ladder-related injuries in 2005, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
“Knowing how to properly use and set-up a ladder can significantly reduce the possibility of being involved in a ladder-related accident, such as falling,” said Richard F. Kyle, President of AAOS. “It is essential that ladders are placed on firm, level surfaces and that the weight the ladders support doesn’t exceed the maximum load capacity.”
Staying safe on a ladder can be made easier if you follow these tips developed by the AAOS:
* Inspect the ladder. Check for any loose screws, hinges or rungs that might not have been fixed from its last use. Clean off any mud or liquids that might have accumulated.
* Properly set up the ladder. Place on a firm, level surface. Never place a ladder on ground that is uneven and watch for soft, muddy spots. The same is true for uneven flooring. Remember to always engage the ladder locks or braces before climbing. If working outside, make sure the ladder – when extended – will not hit electrical wires, tree limbs or other obstructions.
* Remember the one-to-four rule: The bottom of the ladder should be one foot away from the wall for every four feet the ladder rises. If you’re going to climb onto a roof, the ladder should extend at least three feet higher than the rooftop. And, the upper and lower sections of an extension ladder should overlap to provide stability.
* Do not use a ladder or its pail shelf as a seat between tasks.
* Select the right ladder for the job. If you’re washing windows inside the home, choose a step stool or utility ladder. Extension ladders are ideal outdoors to reach high places, like gutters or the rooftop.
* Move materials with caution when on the ladder. While cleaning the garage or closet, be careful when moving items on shelves. It’s easy to be thrown off balance and fall.
* Always position the ladder closer to the work. Over-reaching or leaning too far can make you lose your balance and fall. Your bellybutton should not go beyond the sides of the ladder!
* Wear proper footwear. Make sure your shoelaces are tied and the soles of your shoes are free of debris or greasy or wet substances. Do not wear leather-soled shoes, as they are slippery! Pant legs shouldn’t be too wide or too long.
* Be careful when climbing; get help if you need it. Ask someone to hold the ladder while you climb. Stay in the center of the ladder as you ascend, and always hold side rails with both hands. Also, make sure only one person climbs the ladder at a time.
For additional safety tips, visit the Academy’s Web sites at www.aaos.org or www.orthoinfo.org, or call (800) 824-BONES (824-2663).
–SPM Wire
