Whether you’re pulling your lights out of the attic, heading for the store, or waiting on the UPS delivery so you can get started, first things first. Be careful if you’re going to be using a ladder! This isn’t the time of year to be laid up on the couch—or in the hospital—nursing yourself back to health. Notice we said, “nursing yourself.” That’s because, with all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season going on, your family is apt to bail on you while you recuperate as soon as they ascertain you’re on the mend. It’s a busy time of year!
Seriously, though.
Ladder injuries are no joke. Every year, 500,000 people seek treatment for ladder-related injuries. Some are minor injuries, but you’ll find the severity runs the gamut. The end marker, of which, is that approximately 300 of those prove fatal.
Don’t become a statistic!
The numbers tell the story
At this time of year, stories filled with holiday lore are told over and over again. Statistics tell a story too, and it’s not a pretty one. We’ll just hit the highlights for you because the focus of this season is on joy and—sorry to say—this tale is pretty sobering.
Back in 2020, more than 6.8 million people were treated in emergency rooms for ladder-related injuries. Worse, there were more than 800 deaths related to falling from ladders between 2017 and 2021. During that same time frame, there were more than 27,000 nonfatal injuries reported. Of course, the majority of incidents involved the workplace, but ladders aren’t selective by any means.
It boils down to safety
National Ladder Safety Month doesn’t come around until March, but the safety reminders promoted during that time are worthy of going over at this time of year as well!
Choosing your ladder
Believe it or not, you can choose the wrong ladder for the job. For instance, if you’re working around electricity, a metal or aluminum ladder is not the one for you. It’s also important to consider the terrain you’ll be working on. Would a self-supporting stepladder work or would a non-self-supporting single or extension ladder be a better choice?
It’s also not safe to use a ladder that is either too short or too long. Ladders that are too short encourage reaching and stretching… never a good idea when working elevated above the ground. On the other hand, if your ladder is too long, you could easily trip if crossing over to the roof.
You don’t want your ladder to get out from under you either! A good rule of thumb when using an extension ladder is that if it extends more than three feet beyond the upper support point, it’s too long. The extended surface of the ladder could act as a lever causing the base of the ladder to move or slide out.
Brief inspection
Inspect your ladder to make sure it’s in proper working condition before putting it in use.
Safety tips include:
- Check the mechanics, this includes locks and spreader braces, rungs, rails, and the connections.
- Clean the ladder feet and all climbing and griping surfaces.
- Make sure your ground is level for set-up and use ladder levelers if not.
- If working near doors, make sure they aren’t coming open while you work.
- Don’t plan to be on a ladder in poor weather conditions.
- Keep hands free while climbing.
Serious about safety
It’s important to stay focused on the task at hand when working off the ground—a fall, even if only a short distance from the ground, can cause a serious injury.
Here are some important safety tips:
- Be attentive to the surroundings
- Don’t carry decor up the ladder. Use a towline of some type.
- Don’t make sudden movements when climbing. Slow and steady steps are far safer.
- No John Belushi tactics. Have you seen Animal House? You can’t jump your ladder down the side of the house. You just can’t.
- No overreaching!
- Do not straddle the ladder.
Believe it or not, homeowners are guilty of using their ladders incorrectly more often than not. They wind up in the emergency room due to ladder accidents 136,118 times a year.
Follow the tips listed above when hanging the lights or decorations from your house or in the trees. If you’re hanging strings, it could be a good idea to enlist some help. However, make sure your helper goes over this list of safety tips beforehand if you’ll be breaking out a second ladder for the job.
The most wonderful time of the year
We’re rolling into year-end and, if you’re like us, you’re looking forward to what 2024 will bring. Don’t let your new year start in a cast! Practice good safety measures as you decorate for the holiday season. That way, you’re well on your way to making it merry and bright.
Merry Christmas!
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