According to various reports, thousands of people suffer from ladder accidents, and even homeowners fracture their reports. Believe it or not, nearly 300-500 individuals, especially construction workers, die every year because of such accidents. Businesses think that security is all about installing different types of alarms and highly-advanced cameras on the premises.

As a result, such fatal incidents are often overlooked, and proper safety protocol is never followed. Furthermore, you’ll find a portable ladder in the workspace that is suitable for minimal use instead of a heavy workload.

Hence, today we’re discussing the mistakes you should never make while using portable ladders (if you don’t want to land up on your deathbed).

Mistakes To Avoid:

Selecting The Inappropriate Ladder Type

The first mistake that you should avoid is to choose the one which is not fit for your use. For instance, if you have manufacturing units, you cannot think about ladders having a lower duty rating. Ladders with lower duty ratings are suitable for homeowners. You need to determine your requirements and keep your limited budget aside while selecting the ladder.

On the other hand, if your work area is related to electrical lines, you should use non-conductive fiberglass ladders instead of frame ladders. For selecting the best ladder-type for yourself, consider your project type, surrounding, and how much weight you’ll be carrying while climbing the portable ladder.

Overlooking The Height Factor

Choosing the wrong height portable ladder is another mistake that many people do. What if you buy the one which doesn’t reach the right height, and so it will not solve your purpose. For work purposes, step and articulated ladders are used before they are quite robust, versatile, and long-lasting. Such ladders are perfect for indoor projects like wall or ceiling design where you need to reach a maximum height of 8-10 feet.

On the other hand, articulated and extension ladders are suitable for outdoor projects like property constructions where you need your ladder to lift you until 13-15 feet.

As everyone knows, ladders are available in multiple structures and heights. Hence, selecting a portable ladder that is too short or tall for your projects can land you up on the deathbed.

For example, if your ladder is too short, you have to stand on your toes. Now, there are higher chances your toes can slip and result in bone fracture. Finally, you’ll spend some days on the hospital bed. In our opinion, look for four-foot ladders because this is an average size and the maximum reach will be 8 feet above the ground.

Setting Up The Ladder Near Bumpy Surfaces

If you are buying a portable ladder, then it will be wheeled, and if you place it on a bumpy surface, then it can be accidental, as it can disbalance the ladder. Also, placing a ladder on an uneven surface is not the best move. When you’re working or an indoor or outdoor project, you often make the mistake of placing your portable ladder near the walls. The walls or surface near your ladder is uneven, and your ladder can slip due to friction.

Placing your ladder near the wet driveways, an unusual bed of small rocks and plastic sheeting make you vulnerable to ladder accidents. Hence, always place your ladder on a non-slippery and solid where your feet can easily connect with the ground.

Standing On The Ladder Rung

Every portable ladder has a labeled rung that states you shouldn’t climb above the ladder cap. Stepping above the rung makes your ladder slippery, and there are higher chances you’ll fall on the ground.

The top cap or the rung is the highest ladder step which has the lowest safety level. It would be better to consider a taller ladder instead of standing on the rung.

Final Words

You should never overlook the ladder safety tips; otherwise, your life is in danger round the clock. Make sure that you only invest in a good quality ladder that is made of durable material, is able to bear your weight.

Layla Flinn