With statistics from the Victorian Injury Surveillance unit revealing a 49% increase in hospital admissions over the last 10 year for ladder-related falls at home among residents aged 55 or more, the Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas urges prioritising safety when using ladders.
Falling from a ladder can result in serious, sometime fatal injuries, with those being injured often struggling to fully recover. Falls from height consistently appears in workplace statistics as a leading cause of fatalities. Minister Thomas said “We know Victorians are looking forward to putting up Christmas lights and doing projects around the house this summer. If you’re going to use a ladder, use common sense and take the necessary precautions to prevent falls and serious injuries.”
Learn more
At VTHC we want to see everyone enjoy the Christmas break safely. Although our OHSReps website advice is aimed at workplaces, the same principles of safe ladder use discussed here Ladders - What are the Rules and Regulations? - OHS Reps are equally relevant when you are decorating your homes.
Some simple tips for ensuring that no-one is harmed using ladders at home -
Before using a ladder, check that you are fit to be working at height – climbing ladders while partaking of some “Christmas cheer” is a recipe for disaster
Check both the condition and the position of the ladder.
A ladder in good condition has:
- Feet firmly attached
- Clean treads
- Secure locking devices
- Secure fastenings when it is extended
A ladder in a good position:
- Is fully open
- Is locked into place
- Will not move at the bottom.
- Stands on a surface that is:
- firm
- level
- clear
- dry
- not slippery
Tips for safe ladder use
- Only work on a ladder for a maximum of 15 - 30 minutes at a time
- Only carry light materials and tools (up to 10 kg)
- Do not overreach
- Keep both feet on the same rung or step throughout the task
- Make sure you have a safe handhold available on the steps
- Avoid side-on working
Read more: Premier Vic Gov - Fall proof advice stay safe ladders summer