Fall Chores Spark Safety Advice From Orthopaedi...(ery. Not overfilling leaf bags espe...),Health

Ladders

Homeowners often take time to clean the leaves out of gutters, check roof integrity and wash windows before the winter begins. However, injuries from ladder use are very common. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2008, about 539,000 people went to the doctor, emergency room or hospital due to a ladder injury.

To stay safe on a ladder and avoid injuries:

• Inspect the ladder for loose screws, hinges or rungs. Clean off any mud, dirt or liquids.
• Make sure all four legs rest on a firm, level surface. Avoid uneven ground or soft, muddy spots.
• Always face a ladder when climbing and descending.
• Be sure that any ladder is fully open and locked, before climbing.
• Ladders should be angled about 75 degrees from the ground.
• Wear shoes with nonslip soles on ladders with rounded rungs.
• Never sit or stand on the top of the ladder or on its pail shelf. It is not designed to carry your weight.
• Choose the right ladder for the job. A step stool or utility ladder is good for working at low or medium heights, for jobs such as washing windows. Extension ladders are appropriate for outdoors to reach high places, for when you need to clean gutters or inspect the roof.
  

For more information on autumn yard and ladder safety and other injury prevention tips, visit orthoinfo.org

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