22 Mar Falls Can Kill – Take Ladder Safety Seriously

Falls Can Kill – Take Ladder Safety Seriously

A Toolbox Talk Case Study: A Preventable Fatal Fall

Falls from ladders do not have to involve great heights to be fatal. A fall of only a few feet can result in a severe head injury or death. This case study demonstrates how several seemingly small unsafe decisions can combine to produce a tragedy.

What Happened?

A worker we will call Leroy was helping a neighbor temporarily repair a leaking roof on a single-story home. The roof was relatively low, with the eaves approximately eight feet above the ground.

Instead of using a complete extension ladder, Leroy used only the upper section of an extension ladder. The ladder did not have appropriate safety feet and was placed on a painted concrete patio—a potentially slippery surface.

The ladder extended only one rung above the roof landing surface rather than providing a sufficient handhold for transitioning between the ladder and roof.

Making the situation even more dangerous, Leroy attempted to climb the ladder while carrying a large rock that he intended to use to hold roofing felt in place. While climbing, he continued talking with others instead of concentrating fully on the task.

As Leroy prepared to step from the ladder onto the roof, the ladder slipped away from the house. He fell approximately eight to ten feet. The rock he had been carrying fell with him and landed on the patio. Leroy struck the back of his head on the rock.

He never regained consciousness and died later that night.

Leroy was an experienced construction worker who had worked as a concrete finisher, framer, carpenter, and roofer. Experience did not protect him from the consequences of unsafe ladder use.

What Went Wrong?

Several hazards contributed to this preventable incident:

• An incomplete extension ladder was used.
• The ladder lacked appropriate slip-resistant feet.
• The ladder was positioned on a potentially slippery painted concrete surface.
• The ladder was not properly secured against displacement.
• The ladder did not extend sufficiently above the upper landing surface. When a portable ladder is used for access to an upper landing, its side rails must generally extend at least 3 feet above the landing, or other specified measures must be provided when that extension is not possible.
• The worker climbed while carrying an object rather than maintaining proper hand contact with the ladder.
• The load could have affected his balance and ability to climb safely.
• Attention was divided while climbing and transitioning from the ladder to the roof.
• The hazards of accessing and working on the roof were not adequately evaluated before work began.

Lessons Learned

Before using a ladder:

• Select the right type and length of ladder for the job.
• Never use individual sections of an extension ladder unless specifically designed by the manufacturer for that purpose.
• Inspect the ladder before use and remove damaged or defective ladders from service.
• Place ladders on stable, level, and non-slippery surfaces unless properly secured against displacement.
• Properly secure ladders where they could slip or be displaced.
• Set non-self-supporting ladders at the proper angle—approximately 1 foot out for every 4 feet of working length.
• Provide the required extension above an upper landing when the ladder is being used for access.
• Face the ladder while climbing.
• Maintain three points of contact whenever possible.
• Keep your hands available for climbing. Use a tool belt, hoist line, or another safe method to move tools and materials.
• Never carry an object or load that could cause you to lose your balance.
• Stay focused while climbing and especially while transitioning between the ladder and an elevated surface.
• Evaluate fall hazards on the roof before beginning work and use required fall protection.

Discussion Questions

What would you have done differently before climbing this ladder?

Could the proper ladder, secure setup, and a safe method of getting the material onto the roof have prevented this fatality?

Are there ladders on your jobsite today that are damaged, improperly positioned, or being used for something they were not designed to do?

Remember

A ladder is a tool, and like any other tool, it can cause a fatal injury when improperly selected or used. Never allow experience, convenience, or the desire to finish a quick job to replace proper ladder safety.

The few minutes it takes to obtain the correct ladder and set it up safely can prevent a lifetime of consequences.