July Toolbox Talks

WEEK 1

Don’t Text and Drive!

The Pics below say enough!

WEEK 2

Gravity Always Wins

Gravity never forgets. As soon as you set foot on the ladder’s first rung and pull your body off the ground, gravity works to bring you back to earth. Therefore, it’s no surprise that ladder safety begins from the ground up.

Start with a good foundation
Proper ladder setup prevents slips and falls. Place the base on a firm, solid surface. Avoid slippery or wet surfaces.

Climb with care
When you climb, always face the ladder and grip the rungs of the ladder to climb. If you forget something, always climb down the ladder to retrieve it yourself; don’t have someone toss it up to you.

Think before you carry
Before you start to haul a ladder around, evaluate the area where you’ll be working. Ladders can be heavy and unwieldy. You can strike another person or object, or hit electrical power lines. Make the ladder as compact as possible before transporting it. Carry it horizontally while tilting it higher in front and lower in back.

Follow the rules
Ladder safety may seem simple, but injuries occur every year. Below are some ladder safety dos and don’ts:

  • Use the right ladder for the job.
  • Inspect the ladder before and after a job.
  • Wear clean, dry, slip-resistant shoes and use ladders with slip resistant feet.
  • Don’t lean too far or overreach. Reposition the ladder closer to the work instead.
  • Don’t use a damaged or unsafe ladder.

Practice ladder safety rules every time you climb to make your work easier, faster and safer.

WEEK 3

Ladder Inspections & Safety

Rules for use of all ladders:

  • Maintain ladders free of oil, grease and other slipping hazards.
  • Do not load ladders beyond their maximum intended load nor beyond their manufacturer’s rated capacity.
  • Use ladders only for their designed purpose.
  • Use ladders only on stable and level surfaces unless secured to prevent accidental movement.
  • Do not use ladders on slippery surfaces.
  • Secure ladders placed in areas such as passageways, doorways or driveways, or where they can be displaced by workplace activities or traffic to prevent accidental movement.
  • Keep areas clear around the top and bottom of ladders.
  • Do not move, shift or extend ladders while in use.
  • Face the ladder when moving up or down.
  • Use at least one hand to grasp the ladder when climbing.
  • Do not carry objects or loads that could cause loss of balance and falling.

Although ladders are part of our everyday life at both work and home, it’s important we don’t take them for granted. Ensure you inspect and utilize ladders appropriately.

WEEK 4

Ladder Safety Rung by Rung

A ladder is an essential workplace tool for anyone working above ground level. However, each year more than half a million people are injured while using ladders.

Anyone who uses the wrong ladder for a job or uses it inappropriately is courting trouble. Don’t become a statistic. Remember these ladder safety tips:

Select the correct ladder. Why waver on the top rung of a stepladder when you can use an extension ladder? – Never assume a ladder is safe. Check it for unsafe footing, broken steps, bent legs, bent supports, cracks, worn or slippery step treads, and worn or missing rubber feet. Don’t use it if there’s a problem.

– Set the ladder up on flooring that is dry, even and clear of obstacles. Never lean the ladder against anything unstable (such as a stack of boxes) or place it in front of an unguarded or unlocked door.

– Follow the belt buckle rule when using a stepladder, making sure your belt buckle goes no higher than the top step of the ladder. Climb the ladder only after ensuring the frame is locked securely in place.

– Follow the four-to-one rule when setting up an extension ladder. Place the ladder with its base one foot away from the wall for every four feet in height. Secure the ladder to a stable object at the top and then lock the extension securely in place. Never stand on the top two steps of an extension ladder.

– Remember to fasten the top of the ladder securely to prevent it from tipping.

– Ascend and descend the ladder facing the rungs with both hands on the edges. Hoist tools and materials only after you have reached the top of the ladder.

– Take precautions to prevent a fall. Use both hands when climbing and lock a leg around a rung when you need to have one hand free.

“SAFETY IS PRIORITY NUMBER 1!