Safety Tidbit 7.17 - Essential Equipment Safety

Safety Tidbit 7.17 – Essential Equipment Safety

Reference: Jensen RC, Holland CJ. Ladder Safety: A Taxonomy of Limb-Movement Patterns for Three Points of Control. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17(8):2897.

My student wrote this Safety Tidbit, Ms. Adalyn Valenti – a Junior in the Safety, Health, and Environmental Applied Sciences Program at the Indiana University of PA, graduating in Spring 2023. 

The use of ladders and powered platforms has a significant impact on the workplace. However, the impact depends on the ladder and/or powered platform utilization. Utilization of equipment throughout the workplace involves taking proactive safety measures. Including taking an extra step to ensure the safety of employees within the workplace is the utmost priority. Utilization of essential equipment within the workplace shall begin with proper training.

In the United States, slips, trips, and falls are the number one cause of workplace injuries.

The safety of ladders and powered platforms can often get overlooked within the workplace. Falls, trips, and slips are commonly associated with ladders and powered platforms.

The idea is to focus on essential safety tips to ensure employees within the workplace are utilizing both ladders and powered platforms properly. Inside the workplace, the safety of employees shall always be a priority. To keep employees safe, they shall know the hazards associated with ladders and powered platforms. Training includes the hazards associated with utilizing ladders and or powered platforms inside the workplace.

Ladder and Powered Platform Associated Hazards:

-Standing on the top step of the ladder or guardrails of a powered lift to complete a task.

-Utilizing a ladder and or powered platform that is short or not tall enough to complete the task.

-Positioning the ladder/powered platform in an inappropriate position or location.

-Utilizing a ladder or powered platform that is damaged or not in proper working condition.

-Place ladders on powered platforms to perform a task within the workplace.

Providing a safe workplace for employees begins with essential training. The following tips can help mitigate or eliminate ladder and powered platform associated injuries within the workplace.

Helpful tidbits when utilizing a ladder or powered platform:

-Conduct a self-assessment of the equipment to ensure it is ready for use.

-Maintaining three points of contact on the ladder by always having one hand and two feet on the ladder.

-Wear a personal fall arrest system when appropriate when utilizing a powered platform or ladder.

-Ensure the location of the equipment clears the distance needed to prevent injury.

-Avoid using ladders and powered platforms near powerlines as the equipment is composed of metal.

-Ensure to place the equipment on a level surface before utilizing it to perform a task.

I hope this was helpful, and thank you for reading my Safety Tidbits! Comments and questions are always welcome. ~ Bryan

 

P.S. If you have a new safety or health question, please let me know.

#IUPSafety #IUPSafetyScience