From hanging holiday lights to snow removal, there are several reasons that you may find yourself on a ladder this winter. But did you know that there are more than 164,000 emergency room visits associated with ladder falls each year?
Check out these tips to help you stay safe on ladders.
Check Your Equipment
Is your ladder sturdy? Faulty ladders are more likely to cause falls. Are you wearing appropriate footwear and clothing? Climbing a ladder requires shoes with traction. Avoid flowy clothing that may get tangled in the rungs and cause you to trip.
Bright Lights
If you’re planning to hang holiday lights, take a moment to test them before climbing the ladder. There are few things more frustrating than getting up to the roof and discovering that your lights don’t work! Make sure that you have enough lights and light clips prior to climbing. Hanging the lights in the same direction will make your task much easier.
Avoid Carrying Too Much
You know how it is. You don’t want to make multiple trips up and down the ladder. The problem is, carrying too much puts you in a precarious position and could cause you to lose your balance. It’s much safer to find a way to prevent yourself from carrying too much up and down the ladder. If you’re carrying several smaller tools, it may make sense to place them in a backpack or sack before climbing the ladder. When moving heavy equipment such as leaf blowers and snow blowers, take care to maintain your balance as you climb up and down the ladder.
Snow and Debris Removal
It’s important to keep your gutters, downspouts, and drains clean and free of debris, ice, and snow. This protects your roof from damage. Be sure to exercise extra caution when removing leaves or snow from your roof. Start from the edge of the roof and work your way in, and use proper tools and equipment. When in doubt, contact a professional to manage the job.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
