Home Improvement Information

Ladder Safety Tips


One of the many tools that home owners use regularly is a ladder. Whether you need to change the porch light bulb, clean the gutters or put something in the top of the closet. You may need a ladder to get the job done!

While ladders seem harmless enough and they are useful tools, accidents can still happen if you don't follow some simple safety tips. You may be shocked to hear that each year; more than 400,000 people are injured from a ladder accident and end up in the emergency room or doctor's office. Some injuries are as minor as cuts and scrapes while other injuries have resulted in broken bones or worse.

Below we are going to share some safety tips with you to ensure that you are properly using your ladder to get your chores done!

1. Before using the ladder, inspect it and make sure all the screws and side rails are in place. Stepping on to a ladder that isn't secure, can result in you taking a fall which is exactly what we want to avoid!

2. Check the bottom of the ladder to make sure there isn't any dirt, paint or liquid that has accumulated and will result in the ladder not being sturdy. For your safety, try to use ladders with non skid spurs - this helps the ladder to stay in place and prevent you from sliding.

3. Make sure to properly set up your ladder before climbing on. The ladder should be on a firm, level surface - never place a ladder on a surface that is uneven. Once you are certain the ladder is secure and level then make sure to lock the side rails to better secure the ladder.

4. Always position your ladder as close to the work area as you can. Do not overreach or stretch to the side, this could result in a fall if you lose your balance. It might take a little longer to finish your task if you keep getting off the ladder to reposition it but its best for your safety.

5. Never move the ladder with anything on top such as a hammer, paint can or the like. It won't feel too good to have a can of paint end up hitting you in the head - any objects for that matter!

6. Don't be lazy and pull out the step ladder if you will need the bigger ladder! Stretching and overreaching is one of the most common ways that people get hurt when using a ladder. With a bigger ladder you also have more bracing and you can lean up against it while working.

7. Most importantly always climb and descend the ladder facing it and holding on with both hands whenever possible. Also be sure to take one step at a time, if you miss a step that can end up with you falling from the ladder.

By following these few safety tips you will be able to avoid any unnecessary accidents or trips the emergency room. I know these tips sound like common sense but I see people make these simple mistakes daily for lack of thinking while working on something and trying to hurriedly finish.

Chuck Greene is an electrician with what some would call an odd love of laddders, especially the Little Giant Ladder brand. He writes an maintains the Ladder Fanatic website in his spare time - which features information about the Little Giant Ladders and testimonials for happy customers.


MORE RESOURCES:

Hot trends for spring home improvement projects
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Whether you're remodeling to stay put, or putting your home on the market, consider home improvement and design trends as you plan your renovation projects. Need a color boost? Fresh color recommendations from the Pantone Color Institute include ...



DIY home improvement classes offered at RLC
Benton Evening News
Rend Lake College Community and Corporate Education is offering three home improvement courses to show students how to do the basics themselves and save money. Weatherization will be held 9 am to 12 pm Saturday, February 11. Students will learn how to ...

and more »


BBC News

Home improvement firm staff in Plymouth face job losses
BBC News
More than 50 staff at a home improvement company call centre in Plymouth are facing losing their jobs. Everest Ltd said it was consulting with staff on the possibility of 51 jobs going if it closes its St Andrew's Court office.



FEMA Thanks Home Improvement Stores for Valuable Help
WBGH
In a gesture of thanks, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has presented Certificates of Appreciation to staff and managers at three Broome County home improvement stores for hosting Community Education and Outreach Events in the wake of ...



Tips For How To Make The Most Of Your Home Improvement Projects
Brunei News, Brunei Headlines from Brunei fm
Depending on how you approach it, home improvement may be a real headache, or it can be just what's needed to make your house a home. The following tips will give you important home improvement information. You can make every project a success by using ...



Home improvement stores in Manatee prosper
Bradenton Herald
BY JOSH SALMAN MANATEE - Lingering struggles in the housing market have furnished a jolt to home improvement retailers, as consumers look to cut costs by tackling home improvement projects themselves. More homeowners across Southwest Florida, ...

and more »


MLive.com

Home Improvement Star Arrested for DUI, Drug Possession: Report
People Magazine
By Tim Nudd Taran Noah Smith, who played youngest child Mark Taylor on the '90s sitcom Home Improvement for eight years, was arrested early Wednesday for DUI and drug possession, according to a report. Smith, 27, was arrested around 1 am in Los Angeles ...
'Home Improvement' actor arrested on suspicion of DUI in BurbankLos Angeles Times
'Home Improvement' kid busted on drug chargeNew York Daily News
'Home Improvement' actor Taran Noah Smith busted for DUI, drug possessionFox News
The Daily Blabber from iVillage -MLive.com -Yahoo! Contributors Network
all 139 news articles »


Lowe's Submits Site Plan for Commack Store
Patch.com
Home improvement chain plans to build 100000 square foot store at former site of Commack Multiplex, reports Newsday. By Kaitlyn Piccoli Lowe's submitted a revised plan to construct a store at the old Commack Multiplex Cinemas site Tuesday, after months ...

and more »


BBC News

Simplified home improvement rules introduced
BBC News
New regulations have come into force to make it easier for Scots to make changes to their homes. The move means many home improvements will be able to go ahead without planning permission. Projects including extensions, sheds and garages will not need ...

and more »


PerezHilton.com

"Home Improvement" actor Taran Noah Smith arrested for DUI, reports say
CBS News
(CBS) Taran Noah Smith, who played the youngest child on the '90s sitcom "Home Improvement" for eight years, was arrested early Wednesday for DUI and drug possession, reports say. The 27-year-old former actor was arrested around 1 am in Los Angeles ...
Former Home Improvement Child Star Taran Noah Smith Arrested for DUI and Drug ...E! Online
Whoops! Home Improvement's Taran Noah Smith Arrested For Drugs!PerezHilton.com
'Home Improvement' Actor Taran Noah Smith Arrested For DUI, Drug PossessionHuffington Post
The Hollywood Gossip -Daily Mail -Ology
all 28 news articles »

Google News

home | site map
© 2006