Farmers and Ladder Safety
Ladder Safety for Farmers
Farmers use ladders in a different way than the average consumer. Although many assume that farmers don't need to use ladders, the reality is that ladders actually serve an important purpose on farms. So, today, Little Giant Ladders' safety director, Dave Francis, is sharing tips of how farmers can use ladders more safely.
Farmers and Ladders
I was doing some reading when I ran across an article about ladder safety for farmers. "Farmers don't use ladders," you say? Ladders don't get used much for planting or harvesting crops (unless the farmer has an orchard), but farmers also have other important work.
Farmers have important maintenance work, often requiring ladders. The article I ran across was actually an academic paper in Horticulture Week. According to the article, the Health and Safety Executive, basically the OSHA of Great Britain, was encouraging farmers to take precautions while performing building maintenance to prevent ladder accidents. In fact, the organization has been taking it so seriously that it is including ladder use in its next batch of inspections.
So, how can these accidents be prevented? Here are a couple tips for farmers:
- Maintain three points of contact
- Keep your body between the rails
- Set the ladder on firm, level ground
- Make sure the ladder (and ladder's feet!) are in good condition before using
These tips may seem familiar, but, the truth is, they apply to anyone climbing a ladder. Be safe on your ladder and prevent an accident from happening.
To learn more about ladder safety and how you can avoid incidents, visit Little Giant's safety page. If you'd like to find a ladder that can help you complete all of your projects in a safe and efficient way, we would invite you to check out Little Giant's robust variety of ladders! We have ladders that can help with all manner of tasks, large and small.
