Holidays call for ladder safety reminders for workers

The risk of ladder falls can increase during the holiday season when workers are charged with hanging and removing holiday decorations, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries cautioned this week.

Washington L&I reminds workers of the following ladder safety tips:

• Carefully inspect the ladder for defects, cracks and corrosion before use. Tag and remove from service any ladders deemed unsafe.
• Make sure the ladder's feet have slip-resistant pads.
• Use a fiberglass ladder around electricity.
• When setting up a ladder, look for a location with firm, level footing and a rigid support for the top of the ladder.
• Always use three-point contact when climbing a ladder. Either both hands and one foot or both feet and one hand should be in contact with the ladder at all times.
• Never carry a load that could cause you to lose your balance.
• Never stand on the top of a ladder.
• Do not pull, stretch or make sudden movements that could cause a ladder to tip.
• Avoid placing ladders near doorways, pedestrian walkways or vehicular traffic.