If your business uses portable or fixed ladders in any capacity for everyday operations, it’s vital to make sure anyone who uses them does so safely. Companies can ensure safe ladder climbing and usage by providing training to staff and investing in ladders that are sturdy, level, and fully operational.
Some companies run into problems outside the scope of their work when unauthorized individuals climb or use their ladders. This frustrating trend can leave your company vulnerable to liability and could potentially cause someone serious injuries or death.
Instead of taking your chances and hoping someone outside of your company won’t try to climb your ladders, take extra steps to be prepared. Your company must maintain a secure and safe facility. Your best bet is to invest in ladder guarding products to keep both visitors and your property safe.
Putting Safety First
Safety around ladders is a key element of avoiding falls. In the construction industry, where ladders are routinely used, falls cause more deaths than anything else. If experienced professionals can fall from a ladder, think about what might happen if someone with no ladder safety training decides to take a climb up to your unauthorized areas. In many cases, it could lead to disaster.
Many companies are becoming more proactive regarding access points in and around the different elevated areas of their property. Places like the roof can be extra vulnerable to teenagers or other people passing through looking for a quick thrill. You can help deter unauthorized people from accessing your ladders by equipping them with products that prevent entry.
Security Locks
For a more secure solution, a ladder security lock may just do the trick. Ladder security locks are best for permanently installed ladders on your property. These products prove their effectiveness by placing a barrier, such as steel, over the first few rungs of the ladder. The locking device can only be removed by authorized employees, limiting the chance of someone getting hurt on your equipment.
Roof Guardrails
Larger buildings that require workers to access the roof create more uncertainties and potential for injuries to unauthorized trespassers. A great solution is to consider installing a heavy-duty roof guardrail to keep anyone outside of your staff from being able to access the ladder system to the roof.
Gates and Safety Barriers
Businesses that have a wide network of ladders and mezzanines throughout an industrial warehouse may have to take even further steps to keep everyone in their building – workers and visitors – safe from accidental falls. Companies across all industries have found success in using industrial gates and safety barriers to block access to ladders. This way, you can make sure the only people who climb up are employees you trust.
Anytime a ladder is used at your workplace, you must make sure all the right safety procedures are being followed. Likewise, when a ladder isn’t being used, take steps to secure it by using ladder guards to lower your risk of having someone accidentally fall from your equipment. With a little caution, you can ensure the safety of everyone coming in contact with your ladders.
Need help determining which solution is right for your facility? Contact Dakota Safety today to see how we can help you secure your ladders and industrial equipment.
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