4214 Cowart Road - Prince George, BC V2N 6H9 - T 250.561.1230 - F 250.561.1230 - www.admiralroofing.ca Roofing Wall Systems Repairs Maintenance Design Assist 4214 Cowart Road - Prince George, BC V2N 6H9 - T 250.561.1230 - F 250.561.1230 - www.admiralroofing.ca Roofing Wall Systems Repairs Maintenance Design Assist 4214 Cowart Road - Prince George, BC V2N 6H9 - T 250.561.1230 - F 250.561.1230 - www.admiralroofing.ca Roofing Wall Systems Repairs Maintenance Design Assist www.admiralroofing.ca Roofing Wall Systems Repairs Maintenance Design Assist 61.1230 - F 250.561.1230 - www.admiralroofing.ca oofing Wall Systems epairs Maintenance esign Assist 4214 Cowart Road - Prince George, BC V2N 6H9 - T 250.561.1230 - F 250.561.1230 - www.admiralroofing.ca Roofing Wall Systems Repairs Maintenance Design Assist 4214 Cowart Road - Prince George, BC V2N 6H9 - T 250.561.1230 - F 250.561.1230 - www.admiralroofing.ca Roofing Wall Systems Repairs Maintenance Design Assist 4214 Cowart Road - Prince George, BC V2N 6H9 - T 250.561.1230 - F 250.561.1230 - www.admiralroofing.ca Roofing Wall Systems Repairs Maintenance Design Assist - Prince George, BC V2N 6H9 - T 250.561.1230 - F 250.561.1230 - www.admiralroofing.ca Roofing Wall Systems Repairs Maintenance Design Assist T 250.561.1230 - F 250.561.1230 - www.admiralroofing.ca Roofing Wall Systems Repairs Maintenance Design Assist 34 l ROOFINGBC l SUMMER 2018 FEATURE A n alarming number of workers are being injured by misusing ladders across all industries in B.C. From 2008 to 2017, 18 workers died from work-related injuries. In addition, there were more than 10,000 workers off work, with WorkSafeBC time-loss claims, and of those more than 3,300 suffered serious injuries as a result of falls from ladders. “Workers have the right to safe and healthy workplaces, and employers have a legal responsibility to ensure workers have what they need to work safely at heights,” says Jaret Swanson, manager, Prevention Field Services, WorkSafeBC. “This responsibility means proper plan- ning before work begins, providing workers and supervisors with the neces- sary training, information and instruction on ladder safety, and confirming they do in fact understand how to do it.” WorkSafeBC acknowledges each worksite and task brings specific challenges with unique circumstances on any given day and requires employers to take the time to assess the hazards and control the risks. Before work begins, evaluate the work hazards associated with the environ- ment, the equipment and the task. First, consider if there are safer alternatives to use in completing the job, such as platform ladders, scaffolding, boom or scissor lifts, or other work platforms. If not, consider if the ladder is the right type and grade for the job. Has it been inspected? Can the ladder be set up on a firm, level surface? Wind, rain, and snow may pose additional hazards that need to be mitigated. Consider these criteria when selecting the right ladder for the task: Is the ladder tall enough? What is the highest rung or step allowable? Is it high enough to reach the task? If not, a taller ladder must be selected. The ladder must be long enough to extend one metre above the upper landing and must meet a standard acceptable to WorkSafeBC, such as the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Employers can help prevent ladder injuries by understanding the safe use of ladders and ensuring workers also demon- strate understanding. Part of an employ- er’s responsibility for and commitment to worker safety includes encouraging workers to raise any ladder-safety ques- tions with their supervisors before they begin working. Tips for safe ladder use When using a straight or extension ladder, place the ladder on a firm, level surface. Inspect it before each use to ensure it’s in good working condition, look for defective issues such as cracks or loose rungs, and follow the instructions on the manufacturer’s label. Set up the ladder at the required angle using the four-to-one rule: for every four feet (1.2 metres) up, place the base of the ladder one foot (0.3 metres) from the wall or upper support it’s resting against. It’s essential to check for nearby power lines CLIMBING UP SAFELY Submitted by WorkSafeBC