More than 164,000 ladder-related injuries are treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms every year, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says the holiday decorating season drives a significant annual spike in those numbers. As homeowners climb to hang exterior lights, reach rooflines, and work in attics, the same set of preventable mistakes causes falls that result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and deaths.
The Mistakes That Cause Most Holiday Ladder Falls
Wrong ladder for the task. Extension ladders used for exterior work must be long enough that the user is never standing on the top three rungs. Stepladders used for interior work must be opened fully and locked before use. Using a ladder that is too short forces users to overreach — the leading cause of ladder falls.
Wrong surface. Ladders set on soft ground, wet grass, or uneven surfaces are unstable. The feet can shift or sink during use. Always set a ladder on firm, level ground and use leg levelers on uneven terrain.
Overreaching. Moving the body beyond the ladder’s side rails shifts the center of gravity outside the ladder’s base, causing it to tip. The rule is: keep your belt buckle between the side rails at all times. If you need to reach further, get down and move the ladder.
Working alone. A second person at the base of the ladder to stabilize it and watch for hazards dramatically reduces the risk of falls. Never work on a ladder for exterior roofline tasks without someone present.
Extension cord and lighting hazards. Working with holiday light strings on a ladder introduces the additional risk of tangled cords, awkward loads, and distraction. Never carry more than you can safely hold with one hand while on a ladder.
Safety Rules
- Inspect every ladder before use for damaged rungs, broken locks, or bent rails. Never use a damaged ladder.
- Set the ladder at the correct angle: one foot out from the wall for every four feet of height.
- Always face the ladder while climbing. Never carry objects in both hands on a ladder.
- Wear slip-resistant shoes.
- Never stand on the top two rungs of a stepladder or the top three rungs of an extension ladder.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, visit SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772.
Source: https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Guides/Home/Ladder-Safety
