Work Safely

1. Safety Training Tips for Working with your Ladder Work Safely

2. Agenda 4 Steps to Ladder Safety

3. 4 Steps to Ladder Safety • Deciding when to use a ladder • Inspecting your ladder • Setting up your ladder • Climbing your ladder

4. 4 Steps to Ladder Safety • Deciding when to use a ladder • Use a ladder when you cannot safely reach an object or product in an overhead location. • Whenever possible, try to: • Arrange heavier items on lower shelves and lighter weight items on upper shelves. • Organize more popular products on lower shelves for quicker accessibility. • Store slower moving items on higher levels where a ladder would be required. • Organize your storage room to limit and reduce ladder use.

5. 4 Steps to Ladder Safety • Inspecting your ladder • Select the right size ladder for the job. • Ensure your ladder is appropriate for the job and will support you and your load. • Before use, check the condition of your ladder. Do not use a ladder with loose, broken or missing rungs, screws or bolts. If your ladder is unsafe, report it to your manager. • Make sure the feet are clean, rest securely on the ground and resist slipping. • Store your ladder safely. Tie the ladder off to avoid tipping. Don’t use your ladder for other than its intended purpose.

6. 4 Steps to Ladder Safety • Setting up your ladder • When carrying a ladder, hold it near the center and keep it close to your body, or use two people to move the ladder, one person at each end. • Rest the base of the ladder on a dry, solid, even surface free of debris. • If possible, have someone hold the ladder to provide added security. • Secure your surroundings if your ladder is set up near a doorway or high traffic area. Use a barricade or warning signs. • Always place the ladder at right angles to the work.

7. 4 Steps to Ladder Safety • Climbing your ladder • Use proper (low heeled) shoes with clean, non-slip soles on the ladder. Never climb a ladder with high-heeled shoes. • Always face the ladder when going up or down. Keep your body centered between the sides of the ladder. • Make sure only one person at a time is on the ladder.

8. 4 Steps to Ladder Safety • Climbing your ladder • Use the 3-point contact method. Ensure that both feet and one hand (or two hands and one foot) are in contact with the ladder at all times. • Always face the ladder when going up or down. Keep your body centered between the sides of the ladder. • If you cannot safely reach or carry a product on a ladder call for help.

9. 4 Steps to Ladder Safety • Climbing your ladder • Ensure the top rung of the ladder is between your waist and head (i.e., your thighs are resting against the ladder). • Never climb on the last few rungs of a ladder. • Position the ladder within arm’s reach of the product you are seeking. Move the ladder if necessary. Never over-reach. • When reaching for an item, ensure you reach directly in front of you, not to the sides.

10. 4 Steps to Ladder Safety • Climbing your ladder • Don’t use a ladder in a horizontal position as a scaffold, plank or runway. • Never leave a ladder set up and unattended. Always put your ladder away when your job is completed. • Never use a step ladder as a straight ladder by leaning it against a wall. • Do not “walk” or “shift” the ladder while on it.

11. 4 Steps to Ladder Safety • Did you know…. • Since 1995, the Quebec CSST has recorded 18 fatal accidents due to falls from ladders.

12. 4 Steps to Ladder Safety • Final thoughts • Never take a shortcut in ladder safety: After a fall, it’s a long road back to recovery! • Falls are no laughing matter. As the old joke goes, the worst part of a fall is the sudden stop at the bottom! Be careful!

13. Employees do the darndest things Aren’t you glad you work in Tourism and not Construction!

14. Questions?