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.

---

Guide to Bathroom Design

The first step is to plan the design ? as... Read More

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Bathroom remodeling is often a popular home improvement project for... Read More

Bedding is Fashion for the Bed

Ladies, we spend a lot of time in the morning... Read More

Add A Room To Your Home With A Patio Awning

Do you need a patio awning for your lovely patio... Read More

Kitchen Remodeling Guide

A kitchen can make or ruin a family life. A... Read More

Single Pane Glass Repair in an Aluminum Frame, Part 2

This week we are going to continue our series on... Read More

Rustic Stone House Signs

You may own a remarkably constructed, attractive house that is... Read More

Tips for Choosing Log Furniture

If you just love that rustic look, and are finally... Read More

Adjustable Bed - Start Each Day on the Right Note

Your daily beauty sleep will not be complete if any... Read More

Solar Energy Advantages Disadvantages

Many of us know that solar energy is a good... Read More

Candle Making 101

If you'd like to try your hand at candle making,... Read More

Help With Buying A New Ceiling Fan

When you are choosing a new ceiling fan there are... Read More

Building a Home Addition

Besides providing your home with more living space, a home... Read More

Color Help: Color Theory and Design Psychology

Color theory is an entire science unto itself, and to... Read More

Selling Houses: Payback of Window Treatments

If you're planning to show your home mainly during daylight... Read More

Bamboo Flooring for the 21st Century

Bamboo flooring has emerged as a new material for the... Read More

Interior Design For Couples

Interior design for couples is one of the hottest, most... Read More

Basic Methods of Foundation Waterproofing

It is absolutely necessary to waterproof the foundation of your... Read More

How to Finance a New Kitchen?

Want to improve the look of your property? Want to... Read More

If You Think Mold and Mildew Hibernate During The Winter, Think Again!

If You Think Mold and Mildew Hibernate During The Winter,... Read More

Daydreaming About Your Home Makeover Projects

Most of us enjoy daydreaming about our perfect home. Do... Read More

Hot Tubs: Without A Shadow Of A Doubt Guarantee Relaxation When You Dip Your Feet Into The Water!

A staple of healthy outdoor living, hot tubs equals to... Read More

How to Deal With Contractors (So You Wont Go Mad!)

BE PREPARED -- Building a house is lots of fun,... Read More

When Is It Time To Call The Professional?

For most Do-It-Yourself (DIY) home project managers, the most difficult... Read More

Create a Luxurious Laundry Room

Give your home a luxurious feel with a beautiful laundry... Read More

Unfinished Furniture - Finish It Yourself!

Unfinished furniture has started to become extremely popular in the... Read More

Unadulterated Truth About Black Mold: What You Don?t Know Is Destroying Your Home And Your Health

With today's new building procedures, our homes are more dangerous... Read More

Whats Underfoot? A Quick Guide to Patio Surfaces

Patios and terraces have always been popular outdoor spaces. Whether... Read More

How To Select Scraped//Distressed Hardwood Flooring

Hand-scraped and Distressed hardwood floors are becoming a popular choice... Read More

How To Identify A Quality Interior Shutter

1. Shutters have proper louver tensionThe shutters louvers should be... Read More

Expansion for Heat Absorption

In the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant must undergo a change... Read More

10 Common Uses for Baking Soda

Baking soda is a great household cleaner. Here are ten... Read More

Maintaining Your Hot Tub

Purchasing a hot tub is a big investment and one... Read More