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Loss Lessons
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HANDLING A LADDER
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PestSure Members,
In two separate but recent accidents, employees were injured
while carrying a ladder. One injury occurred when the employee
was moving a ladder along the side of a customers home. His
right foot got caught between two rocks causing him to fall
and injure his right knee. His first surgery repaired his
knee damage and his second surgery removed the hardware from
the initial surgery. He continues to have issues with the
knee post surgery.
Our second recent ladder incident occurred when the technician
was carrying his ladder down a stairway. He lost his balance
and fell causing injury to his wrist. Surgery was required.
He continues to have pain and reduced mobility in the wrist
post surgery.
A ladder is a necessary piece of a equipment in pest control
work. In addition to ladder use training, it is important
to discuss carrying/handling a ladder on the jobsite.
Lesson:
- Train technicians to check and clear a path of
travel prior to moving a ladder into position
- Discuss the increased trip fall hazards caused
by carrying ladders due to decreased balance and visibility
- Review: Jobsites change from one visit to the
next so it is necessary to assess the hazards on each
visit, prior to beginning service at the location
- Make it standard operating procedure to "walk"
the jobsite prior to beginning work
The best method to reduce these types of injuries is to train
a technician to assess hazards at the jobsite. This training
is best conducted in the field and on the job. Please share
this loss lesson with your team and develop strategies to
prevent injuries caused by ladder handling.
Linda Midyett
Area Manager
Safety and Loss Prevention, PestSure
Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc.
14241 Dallas Parkway, Suite 300
Dallas, TX 75254
972.663.6199
800.326.6203 |
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