Ensuring Ladder Safety in Queensland, Australia: An Urgent Call for Proper Practices
Ladders are a common tool in households and workplaces across Queensland, Australia. Despite their everyday utility, the risks associated with improper ladder use are significant and often underestimated. Recent incidents of falls from ladders highlight the urgent need for increased awareness and adherence to safety protocols.
The Stark Reality of Ladder Falls
Queensland has seen a concerning number of ladder-related accidents in recent years.
Notably, Workplace Health and Safety QLD has released a Safety Alert involving two recent falls from ladders.
“In a recent incident, a worker was injured after falling from height at a construction site. Initial enquiries indicate that the worker was descending from an upper floor under construction using a ladder, when for reasons yet to be established, the worker has fallen to the concrete floor below.
In the second incident, a worker suffered injuries as a result of falling from height from a roof.”
These incidents, like many others, underscores the potential dangers of ladder use when safety measures are ignored.
Common Missteps and Their Consequences
The widespread complacency regarding ladder safety is alarming. Many individuals neglect basic safety practices, such as using fall protection or securing the ladder properly. This negligence can result in serious injuries or fatalities. Common mistakes include:
- Overreaching: Extending the body beyond the ladder’s side rails can destabilise it, leading to falls.
- Incorrect Ladder Positioning: Placing the ladder on uneven or slippery surfaces increases the risk of it tipping over.
- Lack of Fall Protection: Failing to use harnesses or stabilisers when necessary, especially at higher elevations.
Regulatory Framework and Recommendations
The Queensland Government has established regulations to ensure ladder safety, as outlined in the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Managing the risk of falls at workplaces code of practice 2021 . These regulations mandate proper ladder use and emphasise the importance of fall protection measures. Compliance with these laws is essential for reducing ladder-related injuries.
Safety Tips for Ladder Use
To mitigate the risks associated with ladder use, follow these essential safety tips:
- Choose the Right Ladder: Ensure the ladder is appropriate for the task and is in good condition.
- Inspect Before Use: Check for any damage or defects that could compromise the ladder’s integrity.
- Set Up Properly: Position the ladder on a stable, level surface. Use stabilisers if needed.
- Secure the Ladder: setting up a ladder on a solid and stable surface, and to prevent the ladder from slipping. Single and extension ladders can be prevented from slipping by:
a. ensuring the ladder has non-slip feet
b. placing ladders at a slope of 4:1 (the distance between the ladder base and the supporting structure should be about 1 metre for every 4 metres of working ladder height)
c. securing ladders at the top or bottom, or if necessary, at both ends - Maintain Three Points of Contact: Always have two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, in contact with the ladder.
- Avoid Overreaching: Keep your body centred between the ladder rails.
- Use Fall Protection: Wear a harness if working at height and ensure the ladder is secured.
Real Life Training with Real Life Equipment
Education and training are critical components of ladder safety. The Upskills QLD training approach, which is best practice, teaches students to correctly and safely utilise ladders and techniques that can be used in the workplace to reduce incidents.
