Holiday Season Raises Safety Concerns

In all the excitement and distraction of the holiday season, safety isn’t always top-of-mind. Yet, as families and friends gather in celebratory situations, dangers increase and the risk of household accidents is high. Even the weeks leading up to the holidays carry increased risk as shoppers first crowd the malls in search of the gifts, decorations, food and drink that make this time of year so special – and then return home to make preparations for their parties and family celebrations.

Ladders

Ladders are familiar to Laborers at their worksites, but the situations at home are often different and need particular consideration. For other family members who decorate, the holidays may be the only time of year when they get involved with ladder safety. Here are some safety tips for ladders:

• Choose the right ladder and right size for the job (for extension ladders, at least one foot of distance from wall for each four feet in height).
• Keep all ladders at least ten feet away from power lines.
• Always secure the ladder by tying it down or having someone hold it.
• Make sure it is set up on level firm ground.
• Always face the ladder.
• Wear slip resistant shoes.
• Always maintain three-point contact (one hand, two feet).
• Do not work from the top three steps of a ladder.
• Do not carry objects in your hands when moving up or down a ladder (attach them to a tool belt or pull them up on a line after).
• Never leave an unsecured ladder set-up unattended.