No Matter the Ladder….
Falls from height are a leading cause of injuries in all workplaces, including on farms. There are factors, including advancing age, that can increase your risk for falling. On farms, ladders are a necessary, everyday tool that is necessary on equipment, buildings, and for doing repair and maintenance.
Make sure you use the right ladder for the task, check the duty rating and set it up on a secure, level surface. Make sure the rungs are clean and in good repair. Remove or store portable ladders when not in use and make fixed ladders (on bins and equipment) inaccessible to children.
In Fall 2019, I-CASH distributed ladder safety information to all ISUEO and FSA offices. They also received samples of non-slip treads that could be applied to ladder rungs. Additional adhesive non-slip materials can be purchased at your local hardware or farm store.
Printable Ladder Safety Card:
Related Safety Watch Article:
No Matter the Ladder, Keep Safety in Mind, Brandi Janssen, Iowa Farmer Today, October 2019