Preventing Ladder Injuries in the Workplace, Because Every Step Counts

When it comes to the Occupational Health and Safety in workplaces, working at heights is a high-risk activity and is among the leading causes of death and serious injury in Australia.

Within the construction industry alone, between 2008-09 to 2012-13 falls from ladders were responsible for 30 percent of workplace injuries and 27 percent of deaths were due to falls from heights.

Whether your responsible for Occupational Health & Safety in the workplace or in charge of a team, there are a number of procedures that can be employed to ensure workplaces and employees are taking the necessary precautions to prevent ladder injuries, and make working at heights, as risk-free as possible.

Conversation, awareness and education is crucial, it’s important to empower and encourage employees to ask questions, raise concerns, learn and undertake the correct procedures when undertaking work from heights.

Weekly safety meetings, regular staff training and/or comprehensive induction processes are examples of best practice occupational Health & Safety procedures that should be in place in every workplace. However it is done, both employers and employees need to be properly educated in safety, while at the same time being empowered to actively contribute safe practice suggestions and raise any concerns they may have.

Innovative, durable and high-quality equipment can also prevent the likelihood of injury and harm when working at heights. Choosing the correct ladder or equipment for the task at hand is important, this includes ensuring your ladder model is suitable for occupational work and where required, opt for options with safety features and add-ons such as safety gates.

Bailey Ladder Safety Tips

• Examine your ladder before use to ensure it is not damaged
• Choose the right ladder model for the task at hand – this means size, load rating and material
• Always wear fully enclosed shoes and appropriate clothing when undertaking a task on a ladder
• Never undertake a task on a ladder when impaired by illness, drugs or alcohol
• Always remain within the ladder’s stiles, maintain three points of contact and never overreach
• Do not leave a ladder unattended when not in use, especially if children are present

Although safety in the workplace needs to be a priority today and every day, each October we proudly participate in the advocacy and awareness of safe work practices as part of National Safe Work Month. An important initiative led by Safe Work Australia, it aims to motivate workers and employers across the country to commit to building safer workplace for all Australians.

With work-related injury and disease costing the Australian economy almost $62 billion every year and 101 workplace fatalities in 2019, we know that safe work benefits everyone. Whether you’re directly responsible for Occupational Health & Safety in your workplace or you’re an employer or employee, it’s important to feel empowered to start the conversation and champion safe practices today and always, because every step counts.