Don’t Take Ladder Safety for Granted: Learn the Most Important Tips to Follow

There’s no question that ladders make any construction job easier, but they can also be dangerous if not correctly used. At Grove Hardware, we’ve seen contractors simply get complacent and no longer insist on what they know are good ladder safety rules. That’s why we’re here today to present some of the best ladder safety tips for construction job sites.

Remember how serious the job is

While you may be used to climbing a ladder every day without negative consequences, remember that literally thousands of workers end up in the emergency room every year after an accident on a ladder – and you can bet that almost all of them thought they were being safe. Read on to get the best tips to prevent these accidents and then stop by Grove Hardware for all your construction safety supplies.

Use the right ladder for the job

First and foremost, make sure you’re using the right ladder for the job. At Grove Hardware, we carry a wide range of ladder sizes and styles. You want an option that’s the right height, but the style matters too. For example, we have ladders that are safe to be use on stairs, and ladders that are made specifically for horizontal spaces. If you’re not sure what ladder is best for any given project, stop by or give us a call at 909-544-4331.

Pay attention to how you feel

It’s never wise to get on a ladder if you’re feeling dizzy, ill, or generally week. Of course, some employers may not appreciate this and may make their employees feel that they have to work anyway. Or perhaps you have co-workers who tease you for being week. Remember that you’re not on a school playground. It doesn’t matter what others think – if you’re not sure it’s safe to get on a ladder then you should not get on a ladder.

Look before you climb

Simply inspecting a ladder before you get on it can prevent many accidents. If the ladder you’re using has any type of lock or security latch, make sure they’re working correctly and are engaged. Make sure the ladder you’re using doesn’t have a crack, there aren’t broken pieces, and that it doesn’t have other structural issues that could prevent it from working as needed. If you find a ladder with a weak spot or that’s damaged, get rid of it. It you believe it can be fixed, make sure you label it as broken and not safe so that no one else will climb on.

Get help with the pros who know ladders inside and out

At Grove Hardware, we are well versed in construction supplies, job site supplies, and safety protocols. We can’t stress enough how important it is to have the right ladder for any job. If there’s any to suspect that the ladder you have isn’t the best for what you’re doing, feel free to give us a call or stop by our convenient location. Our experienced staff can walk you through your options and help you discover if there may be a better option. We can be reached at 909-544-4331 during business hours.