Ladders are a major safety risk during the holiday season: WorkSafeBC

It’s officially the holiday season and if you haven’t already, you’re probably thinking about busting out the ladder and hanging some Christmas lights on your house.

Showing off that holiday spirit is important, but WorkSafeBC is also reminding people that hanging those lights can be a dangerous task that needs to be done safely.

Falls from ladders are an all-too-common injury in BC, even more so when people are going up them in cold and wet weather conditions.

“To stay safe, you need to choose the right ladder for the job, ensure it’s in good working condition, and take the time to set it up and use safely,” explains Barry Nakahara, WorkSafeBC.

Last year alone, there were 1,077 accepted claims as a result of falls from ladders in BC, including 325 serious injuries and four deaths.

Whether you’re putting up lights, cleaning the gutters or still just using a ladder on a worksite, WorkSafeBC has the following tips to do it as safely as possible:

• Select the appropriate ladder for the job. It must be long enough to extend one metre above the upper landing.
• Inspect the ladder to ensure it is in good working condition before each use.
• Always set up the ladder on a firm, level surface.
• Maintain three points of contact while climbing a ladder: two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot.
• Wear slip-proof footwear.
• Don’t carry heavy or bulky objects while climbing up or down a ladder.
• Wind, rain, and snow may pose additional hazards. Avoid ladder work in inclement weather.
• Check for power lines and ensure a minimum distance of three meters can be maintained at all times before starting work.