| Falls from Ladders and Roofs |  | |
Falls from Ladders
Every year, nearly 900 people in Washington State are seriously injured falling off ladders at work. These injuries include dislocated limbs, broken bones, head injuries and in a few cases some workers even die from their injuries. These accidents occur because:
- The ladder moves, falls over, or is set up improperly; or
- The worker slips on the rungs, over-reaches, or carries objects while climbing the ladder,
- The worker stands on the top of the ladder,
- The ladder is cracked, broken, or in need of repair.
Employee training on the proper use of ladders and the very real hazards of improper use is vital. Ladders in need of repair should be taken out of service immediately. Following are links to further information, employee training and checklists on ladder safety.
- L&I topic page on Ladder Safety
- OSHA E-Tool on ladder safety
- Ladder Safety - Introduction and Types of Portable Ladders (L&I Online Safety Course)
- Ladder Safety - Styles and Types of Portable Ladders (L&I Online Safety Course)
Public Service Announcement video on Ladder Safety
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Every year, over 100 employees are seriously injured falling off roofs in the state of Washington. These injuries can lead to broken bones, head injuries, permanent disability or even death. For most roofing jobs, personal fall protection (harness and lanyard) is the best way to prevent these falls. On large roofs, guard rails can be used. Fall protection is required for all roof work above 10 feet. Employee training on the hazards of roof work and the proper use of fall protection is vital. Following are links to further information and employee training.
- L&I Video: Residential Construction: Roofing Safety
- L&I Video: Washington State's Rules for Fall Protection in Construction
- Fall Protection Training Kit
- Fall Protection L&I Online Safety Course
Public Service Announcement video on Fall Protection
