Ladder accidents injure over 200,000 annually

When working around the house this summer, be aware that one of the most potentially hazardous tools has no electrical cord, gas engine, whirling blades, or multiple moving parts. Yet, it sends more than 222,000 people to emergency rooms each year--beware the ladder.

"The number of emergency room visits from ladder-related injuries totals more than those for lawn mowers and home workshop saws combined," warns John Drengenberg, manager of Consumer Affairs at Underwriters Laboratories Inc., Northbrook, Ill., a not-for-profit product safety testing organization. "Of course the ladder is dangerous only if it is improperly used. So, whether you're standing on a stepladder to change a light bulb in the living room or on an extension ladder to clean out the gutters, a few precautions can keep you safe around the home."

Safety experts recommend these guidelines:

* Follow the use instructions and warning labels carefully. These help you choose the proper ladder for the job and describe weight and height limits.

* Use fiberglass ladders whenever there is a possibility of working near electricity or overhead power lines.

* Ensure the rungs are clean and dry and that the ladder is sturdy.

* Keep the ladder on a firm, level surface. Do not set it on uneven, soft, or muddy ground.

* For every four feet of ladder height, the bottom of the ladder should be one foot away from the wall or object it is leaning against.

* On a stepladder, ensure that the spreaders, the devices that hold the front and back sections in an open position, are completely open and locked before putting any weight on the ladder.

* Do not overextend your reach. Move the ladder to new positions as work progresses.

* Do not carry equipment in your hands while climbing. Invest in a tool belt or have someone hand the objects to you.

* Face the ladder when climbing up and down; keep body weight centered and evenly distributed between the side rails.

* Never move a ladder while standing on it. Always make sure people and equipment are off the ladder before moving or closing it.

* If using the ladder in front of a door, ensure that it is locked or being watched by someone.

* Never leave a raised ladder unattended.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Society for the Advancement of Education
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