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Loss Lessons
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LADDERS, BEYOND THE CLIMB
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PestSure Members,
In a recent PestSure claim, the technician was using a ladder
to access a roof upon which he was conducting some bird abatement
procedures. He safely accessed the roof, completed his work,
and descended the ladder. After completion of the job, he
left his ladder set-up and unattended for a very brief time
during which he completed a couple other tasks.
An onlooker at the job site was standing next to the technician's
ladder when a gust of wind blew the ladder down from where
it was propped against the building. The ladder struck the
onlooker injuring his neck and shoulder. The injury resulted
in neck surgery and surgery to herniated discs in his back.
The claim is currently anticipated to cost approximately $800,000.
Lesson:
Safe ladder use involves
many areas of attention. We first think of safety training
related to climbing and descending a ladder but must
also include training on ladder transport, set-up, take
down, inspection, and monitoring. In this case, it might
have been appropriate to lash the ladder due to gusting
winds. Remember, a ladder set on the job site should
be removed immediately when you are done using it. In
the event the ladder remains set, it should never be
left unattended.
Please be certain to train your new and existing employees
on all facets of safe ladder use. Review the circumstances
of this incident with your team and discuss situations that
could result in similar mishaps. Develop safe use practices
to avoid this and other types of incidents related to ladder
use.
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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