A bucket, a chair, a box, a desk, all can be, and unfortunately have been, used to reach heights that otherwise could not have been reached. But for what purpose? To access stored equipment or material? To complete work such as painting or installing security systems? Regardless of the reason, anytime we are working at heights, we must be aware of not only the potential risks, but the increased risks when using the wrong equipment to reach those heights.
Ladders are a fixture in construction projects and industrial establishments. An upgrade from the so-called ‘equipment’ mentioned previously, like chairs and desks. Ladders provide stability, proper reach, and the ability to maintain 3-point contact when selected and used properly. While ladders are most likely the easiest solution, they are not necessarily the best solution when tasks require working at heights. Especially for untrained professionals for whom working at heights training might be necessary, but we will get to that later.
Causes of Falls from Ladders
There are many factors that could cause a worker to fall from a ladder; however, there are some that are more common than others.
Using the wrong ladder for the task.
Ensuring workers are using the right equipment for the task at hand is key to success and safety. For instance, step ladders and extension ladders have different purposes and are designed accordingly. Here are a few important considerations when selecting and using a ladder:
- What length of ladder is required? Extension ladders must be set up at the right angle with proper extension that exceeds the roof surface landing. Step-ladders must be tall enough so workers can work without having to over-reach or lean.
- What weight capacity is required? This will be dependent on the worker’s weight in addition to their clothing, PPE, and tools. For construction projects, ladders are required to be a minimum Grade 1 (250 pounds) and meet the CSA Standard Z11-12 requirements.
- Has the ladder been inspected? Determine the working condition of the ladder through inspection prior to use to ensure it is in good working order. Using defective ladders increases the risk of a fall as the ladder may buckle, bend, lack general stability, and/or give way, leading to a potential fall by use.
- Type of ladder: Ladders are designed and manufactured for specific uses, and when deviated from its intended use, put workers at risk. Extension ladders should be used to access higher workplaces like roofs while self-supporting step ladders are meant to be used from a work surface for performing brief tasks. Workers must ensure they are using the right type of ladder for the job to put themselves in the safest position while working.
If uncertainty sets in, it is better to enroll your crew in a fall protection training program so they can be safe on a ladder.
We are not cats
Falls from ladders have a high degree for risk of injury or possibly even fatality. While cats have a unique ability to contort their bodies in mid-air and almost always ‘land on their feet’, we are not so ‘lucky’. Falls in general (ladder falls included) account for the “second largest cause of accidental” fatality across Canada. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, ladders play a role in roughly 2% of all occupational accidents in industrialized settings. These falls can result in a variety of serious injuries, potentially leading to lifelong disability or death.
Common injuries from ladder accidents may include. but are not limited to:
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures and breaking of bones
- Tendon and ligament tears
- Concussion
- Unconsciousness
- Death
Accidents like these can be prevented with a certified working at heights training program.
Ministry of Labour Enforcement Campaigns
Inspectors performed a compliance initiative focused on ladder safety from October 2 to November 24, 2017, covering 538 workplaces and issued more than 1,500 orders. Of those orders, the two most frequent related to ladder use include:
- Workers using a ladder on a construction site that did not meet standard and requirements of CSA Standard Z11-12 Grade 1 ladder minimum.
- More specifically, failure to use a portable ladder that was manufactured in accordance with the design, performance, test, and marking requirements of a Grade 1, Grade 1A, or Grade 1AA ladder, as specified in the CSA Standard Z11-12 Portable Ladders.
- Failure to secure a portable ladder at the top and the bottom to prevent its movement when it was being used for access and egress between different levels of a building or structure.
During the initiative, inspectors issued “117 orders accompanied by 93 stop work orders”. These violations were deemed to be a serious risk to worker’s health and safety. Eight of the orders involved ‘unsafe ladder use’, 65 orders were due to inadequate fall protection, and 8 involved poor ways to enter and exit the work location.
The Ministry-sponsored initiative showcased the current complacency with ladder use. Awareness surrounding the proper use, selection, and care of ladders needs to increase with improved training, instruction and supervision to keep workers safe while working at heights. It is the duty of employers to ensure they are providing workers with proper information, instruction, and competent supervisors so that workers are properly protected from the potentially severe consequences of poor selection and improper ladder use.
What’s the Solution?
Health and safety professionals use the following five controls within the hierarchy of controls to determine potential solutions to identified risks and hazards. For safe work, seeking alternatives to ladder use helps to reduce the risk of working at heights and ensures the best equipment options when performing tasks at height.
Elimination: Is it possible to eliminate the need to work from and use a ladder when at height? As part of best practices, work-related tasks like building and installing should be performed at ground level whenever and wherever possible to remove the potential for working at height.
Substitution: Some constructors only allow ladders to be used on a case-by-case basis or simply not at all. How is this possible? Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) such as scissor lift and boom lifts have become extremely common substitution for ladders as they provide a larger, more stable working area that has a built-in guard rail system with the ability for the worker to also to be tied-off (secured to an anchor with a lanyard attached to the worker’s harness to prevent ejection/bottoming out). Scaffolding can also provide a more stable larger work area for long-term tasks.
Engineering: Platform ladders have larger platforms and rails that extend up to surround the platform on three sides to provide a safer and more ergonomic work surface for workers.
Administrative: Do workers have the necessary information, instruction, and supervision to safely carry out their duties? Training provides workers with the knowledge and procedures to perform their work safely. In fact, a working at heights training certificate is a must. Combined with supervision, training ensures workers follow proper procedures and have support where required, especially when they are inexperienced.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Recommended as a last resort, as workers are still largely exposed to fall hazards. They can utilize fall arrest equipment to reduce the consequences of ladder falls. It is important to set up the equipment properly to reduce the fall distance for workers, thus reducing the impact caused by the fall.
Conclusion
While using ladders is not always ideal due to the safety concerns they pose, often they are an unavoidable part of the job. To ensure workers are not at risk, it is critical to take certain measures. This includes selecting and wearing the right PPE as well as having proper working at heights training certification. Act First Safety provides expert-led fall protection training that has been instrumental in safeguarding the construction and maintenance workers of Ontario. Contact us to get details on available enrollment dates and slots.
