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Ladder and Decorating Safety
Falls from ladders are by far the most common type of fall with two-thirds of ladder-related injuries in Canada taking place around the home.
This is the time of year when many of us are cleaning our eavestroughs, decorating our houses with holiday lights, and trimming trees. These tasks usually involve using ladders. Unfortunately, this means it’s also the time for ladder related falls, injuries, and even death.
Each year in Canada people die and thousands are injured from ladder-related falls. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), falls are the leading cause of injury in Canada. Falls from ladders are by far the most common type of fall with two-thirds of ladder-related injuries in Canada taking place around the home. November is the peak month for ladder-related falls but we need to be just as cautious during the holiday season when using ladders around the home.
Falls from ladders can cause minor injuries, such as bruises, cuts, and sprains but the most common injuries are fractures of the leg or ankle (43%) and broken upper limbs (30%). Nearly half of these injuries (45%) were to people between the ages of 40 and 59. Falls from ladders can also cause severe trauma or death. Severe injuries can leave a person incapacitated for a long period of time or with a permanent disability, which has a big impact on family, finances, employment and long-term health.
So the next time you think of beginning a project or job that requires you to take your feet off the ground, be sure to consider ladder safety guidelines so that you can climb another day.
Using a Ladder Safely
A ladder is one of the first tools we reach for when we are cleaning the eavestroughs or decorating the house for the holidays. These tasks don’t have to have an unhappy ending. Simply choose the right ladder and follow these simple safety precautions to avoid falling and the risk of serious injury.
Before You Start
• Make sure you have a Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved ladder of the proper length to reach the working height you need.
• Inspect ladders before every use. Never use a damaged ladder.
• Make sure the rungs are dry and free of any dirt or paint before using the ladder.
• Place the feet of the ladder on firm, even ground where it will be free from loose or slippery substances. Secure the feet of the ladder or have someone hold it to prevent slipping.
• Open the ladder completely, making sure all locks are engaged.
• The upper and lower sections of an extension ladder should overlap to provide stability.
• Before using a ladder outdoors, make sure it will be clear of all electrical wires or tree limbs when extended.
• Use the 4:1 rule: the bottom of an extension ladder should be about one foot away from the wall for every four feet that the ladder rises.
• Ensure that the ladder extends 3 feet or 1 meter above the roof when using a straight ladder to access a roof.
Ladder Safety Guidelines
Climbing the ladder properly is as important as choosing a safe and correct ladder for the job. Always follow these guidelines no matter what height you must climb.
• When climbing up or down, face the ladder and hold the rungs with two hands. Consider using a buddy to keep the ladder steady.
• Wear slip-resistant footwear, such as those with rubber soles.
• Keep your body centred between the side rails. If you cannot reach, move the ladder. Gauge your safety by your belt buckle. If it passes beyond the side rail, then you are overreaching and are at risk of falling.
• Always keep three points of contact on the ladders: two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand.
• Keep hands free for climbing. Use a tool belt or raise tools and equipment with a rope.
• Keep both feet on the same rung or step while doing the task. If you are raising one leg to the side for counter balancing, you are reaching too far.
• Stand at or below the highest safe standing level on a ladder or stepladder. For a stepladder, stand no higher than the second rung from the top. For an extension ladder, the highest safe standing level is fourth rung from the top.
• Do not overload a ladder. Only one person should stand on a ladder.
• Never allow children to climb or play on ladders.
If You Fall from a Ladder
• Remain still and calmly assess the situation and determine if you are injured.
• If you feel an injury has occurred which prevents standing or walking, call for assistance. If the injury is serious, have someone call 911.
• If you’re not injured, get up slowly, and rest for a while.
Before climbing again, consider what caused the fall and correct it.
Holiday Lighting and Decorating Safety Tips
In addition to ladder safety, follow these precautions when decorating your home.
Holiday Lighting
• Indoor light strings/sets should not be used outdoors because they lack weather proof connections. Some outdoor light sets burn too hot indoors.
• Use only CSA certified light sets.
• Inspect and replace any light sets and extension cords that are frayed, have exposed wires, loose connections, or broken light sockets.
• Use more than one outlet if the wattage of your lights is more than the outlet can handle.
• Turn off all holiday lights before you go to bed or leave your home.
• Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI’s) for all outdoor lights and decorations.
• Automatic lighting timers can be used to ensure that lights are not left on.
Tree Trimming Tips
• If using an artificial tree, purchase one with the label “Fire Resistant/Retardant”.
• When purchasing a live tree, make sure it is freshly cut as it will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard. A fresh tree has green needles that are hard to pull from the braches and do not break when bent between your fingers. The trunk butt is sticky with resin and when the tree is tapped on the ground, it does not lose many needles.
• Place the tree away from fireplaces, radiators, televisions, heating ducts or sunny windows that can pose a fire hazard or dry the tree out more quickly.
• Use a tree stand with widespread legs for balance and keep the stand filled with water.
• String no more than three strands of lights together and use the appropriate lights.
• After the holidays, remove the tree to the outdoors as soon as possible.
Have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season!
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