What Roofing Contractors Should Know About Ladder Safety

By Cotney Attorneys & Consultants.

Ladder falls are preventable even though they continue to be the leading cause of fatalities in construction workers.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), there are more than 500,000 ladder-related injuries and around 300 fatalities each year. Billions of dollars a year are spent as a result of ladder falls, including expenses associated with work loss, medical bills, and legal fees.

Why Accidents Happen

Lack of training plays a major role in ladder-related accidents. Furthermore, some workers choose to not follow the proper guidelines. Unfortunately, most ladder accidents stem from preventable mistakes, such as a damaged ladder, incorrect footwear, and not securing your ladders position.

Guidelines for Ladder Safety

The OSHA Construction Standard Subpart X (1926.1053) specifically covers the regulations for ladders. By reviewing that section, roofers will find guidelines for storing ladders, inspections, load support, and the spacing of rungs. These standards also indicate that employers are required to provide training for every employee who uses a ladder on the job.

Tips for Avoiding Accidents

The following are tips for avoiding ladder accidents when working in roofing. These tips can help workers reduce their risk of injury.

Tip 1: Ladder inspection is critical especially by a competent person. Paragraph 1926.1053(b)(15) in the OSHA Construction Standard Subpart X states that a competent person should be inspecting ladders for visible defects periodically or immediately after an accident has happened. Make sure that each one of these inspections are logged.

Tip 2: Often, roofers misjudge ladder angles. When this happens, it causes a ladder to be set too steep or too shallow. Utilize technology like NIOSH’s Ladder Safety App to help set your ladders at the correct angle, which in turn, will help reduce falls.

Tip 3: How you climb a ladder matters. Roofers should be ascending and descending while facing the ladder and always use at least one hand on the ladder to guide them. Avoid carrying unnecessary items up and down ladders. Make sure your footwear is slip resistant to prevent a potential fall.

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Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.