New OSHA Fact Sheet: Safe Use of Stepladders

OSHA has released a new fact sheet that examines some of the hazards workers may encounter while working on stepladders and explains what employers and workers can do to reduce injuries.

Workers who use ladders in construction risk permanent injury or death from falls and electrocution, says OSHA. Common stepladder hazards include:

• Damaged stepladder
• Ladders on slippery or unstable surfaces
• Unlocked ladder spreaders
• Standing on the top step or top cap
• Loading ladder beyond raised load
• Ladders in high traffic location
• Reaching outside ladder side rails
• Ladders in close proximity to electrical wiring/equipment

These hazards can be eliminated or substantially reduced by following good safety practices, according to OSHA. The fact sheet offers an extensive list of do’s and don’t’s on safe stepladder use.