National Ladder Safety Month: Reminders for General Contractors 

March is National Ladder Safety Month. When it comes to ladder safety, one split-second decision could change a life and end a career as a commercial painter or contractor. According to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), poor ladder safety comes at a tremendous cost including tens of billions in work loss, medical, legal, and liability fees. 

More significant than dollar amounts is the pain and suffering such an injury or loss causes a family, workplace, and community. Though the past few years have seen a decrease in ladder safety incidents, there are still thousands of injuries (and hundreds deaths) reported in the US annually, as recent as 2023.

C&R Services is committed to ladder safety best practices to support our Nashville commercial painting crews and the general contractors we work with. Here are some considerations to keep in mind this month (and every month).

 

Ladder Safety at a Glance 

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides detailed guidance for ladder safety on job sites. Here are their recommendations at a glance:

• Read and follow all labels/markings on the ladder.
• Always inspect the ladder prior to using it and remove any damaged ladders from service until repaired or discarded.
• Avoid electrical hazards! 
  • Check for overhead power lines before handling a ladder and avoid using a metal ladder near power lines or exposed energized electrical equipment.
• Always maintain a 3-point (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) contact on the ladder when climbing.
  • Keep your body near the middle of the step and always face the ladder while climbing
• Only use ladders and appropriate accessories (ladder levelers, jacks or hooks) for their designed purposes.
  • Do not use a self-supporting ladder (e.g., step-ladder) as a single ladder or in a partially-closed position.
  • Do not use the top step/rung of a ladder as a step/rung unless it was designed for that purpose.
• Use a ladder only on a stable and level surface, unless it has been secured (top or bottom) to prevent displacement.
  • Ladders must be free of any slippery material on the rungs, steps or feet.
  • Do not place a ladder on boxes, barrels or other unstable bases to obtain additional height.
  • Do not move or shift a ladder while a person or equipment is on the ladder.
• An extension or straight ladder used to access an elevated surface must extend at least 3 feet above the point of support. 
  • Be sure that all locks on an extension ladder are properly engaged.
• Do not stand on the three top rungs of a straight, single or extension ladder.
  • The proper angle for setting up a ladder is to place its base a quarter of the working length of the ladder from the wall or other vertical surface.
  • A ladder placed in any location where it can be displaced by other work activities must be secured to prevent displacement or a barricade must be erected to keep traffic away from the ladder.
• Do not exceed the maximum load rating of a ladder. Be aware of the ladder’s load rating and of the weight it is supporting, including the weight of any tools or equipment.

For a printable “quickcard” of these guidelines, including diagrams, click here.

 

Should You Use Scaffolding or Ladders?

Scaffolding and ladders each have their benefits when it comes to convenience and jobsite safety. Generally speaking, ladders are ideal for short-term, low-risk jobs where the ladder can be easily stabilized according to OSHA guidelines. 

Scaffolding, on the other hand, is a safer alternative when people need to work at a height for more than 30 minutes at a time, when they need to be able to move around within a large area at that height, and when it’s not possible to properly stabilize a ladder in the work area.

 

C&R Services: Your Partner in Safety

Even for the most conscientious teams and crews, accidents happen. But continuing education minimizes their frequency and impact. C&R Services has regular Toolbox Talks: our operations manager meets with all our painters in the field periodically to update, refresh, and implement job safety measures where it counts. 

We know our painting teams drive the success of our commercial and industrial painting services, and they know safety is a top priority. When working with general contractors or facility managers, we keep job safety front and center. No matter what your jobsite demands, we’re your partner for safety, efficiency, and lasting results. Ready to start your project? Contact us today.

 

Sources:

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

University of South Florida 

Ladders UK Direct