Do-It-Yourselfers are prolific in today’s society. There are many reasons why people choose to take on the responsibility of making their own home repairs and remodeling projects. For some, it’s a matter of financial feasibility, for others, it’s just fun. Still, others love learning new things and take it on for the challenge. One thing that the DIY person may be unaware of is ladder safety.
The Top Violations for Ladder Safety
Ladders have specific uses. When one is used outside its intended purpose, it can pose a hazard. Another common but dangerous practice is using the top rung of the ladder as a step. OSHA cites this as a violation of ladder safety. Using a ladder on an unstable or uneven surface is another frequent error people make. The consequences of such use are pretty obvious. A ladder needs to be secure and stable. If it is on an uneven surface, there is a greater chance for it to move or fall the farther up a climber goes.
What Do You Need to Know about Ladder Safety?
There’s a good reason walking under a ladder is frowned upon. Superstition about walking under a leaning ladder or one that’s open has a few different origins. Desecrating the triangular space formed by the ladder is one. This one goes back to the days of the pharaohs in Egypt and is also a part of Christian history. The triangular shape formed by a ladder is representative of the Holy Trinity.
The more practical reason for the taboo is that one bump into the ladder could dislodge something – like a hammer or a bucket of paint – that may then hit you on the head. In that same vein, if a person is on the ladder, there is a slight but real chance that the same bump could cause the person to lose their balance and fall. These more practical reasons are probably the best for avoiding walking under a ladder.
You may be surprised to know that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) actually has guidelines for ladder safety. When using a ladder, whether at work or at home, it is worth knowing the safety standards and making sure they are being met.
Keeping yourself and your loved ones safe is an important part of healthy living. At Frohlich, Gordon & Beason, P.A., we support healthy living by providing these tidbits of information to help you find ways to improve the safety standards around your home and workplace. We also provide excellent legal advice to those involved in personal injury cases or business litigation. Give us a call and consult with one of our lawyers. The first consultation is complimentary. We proudly serve resident of the North Port, Englewood, and Port Charlotte areas and surrounding communities.