The risks associated
with using ladders in the workplace shouldn’t be underestimated after
figures released by SafeWork NSW show that in the five years between
July 2011 and 31 May this year, 3170 workers were injured in falls from
ladders, including two fatal accidents, in NSW alone.
These incidents cost the NSW workers’ compensation scheme $54.5
million. Following another death in June, where a 58-year-old
electrical contractor died after falling three metres from a ladder at a
Smithfield business, SafeWork NSW has issued a request to employers to
look for safer alternatives to ladders.
The safety regulator has warned employers that workers should only use
ladders for "simple access or short periods". “SafeWork NSW recommends
businesses only use ladders on flat, stable surfaces and workers should
only take small items up or down them," said SafeWork NSW Executive
Director Peter Dunphy.
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When working with ladders, SafeWork NSW
recommends:
-
Ladders should only be
used for simple access or short periods and businesses must have
safety measure in place;
-
Workers should always
maintain three points of contact with the ladder (two hands and one
foot, or two feet and one hand);
-
Never reach or lean
away from the ladder;
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A-frame ladders should
always be set up in the fully open position; and extension ladders
should be secured at the top, bottom or both ends to avoid slipping.
Mr Dunphy asked duty-holders to consider
whether safer alternatives, like scaffolding, elevated work platforms or
cherry pickers were more appropriate. SafeWork has produced a
three-minute
video safety alert on the safe use
of ladders to help businesses work safely.
http://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/health-and-safety/safety-topics-a-z/ladders
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