Ladder safety tips

Whether it’s a few odd jobs around the house, or a major remodel, you will probably find yourself using a ladder at some point. Ladders are the leading cause of household falling injuries and accidents around the home, so take care when using a ladder for any reason.

Also, always notify your home insurance provider about any remodelling or major repairs that you may be doing around the house, because, should you have to make a claim at some point in the future from an insurer who was not alerted to the additions or changes, they could rightfully cancel your home insurance.  So keep safe and call your home insurer and then follow these simple tips for ladder safety and avoid a nasty accident:

• Always use a strong, well balanced ladder when climbing, and avoid standing on a chair or another possibly unsteady or breakable object.
• When using your ladder outdoors, stay far from power lines, as contact with these could be fatal.
• When you set up your ladder, make sure that the ground is level, the ladder is completely open, and all locks are in place and working.
• Always climb the ladder face first and wear non slip or rubber soled shoes.
• Do not over reach on the ladder and always make sure to keep your body centred on the ladder to avoid the risk for falling.
• Make sure the ladders rungs and the surface the ladder rests on are all dry and safe before you start working.
• When using an extension ladder, make sure the top rests against something solid, plastic guttering for example is not appropriate.

Please note that Direct Line does not control and cannot guarantee the relevance, timeliness, or accuracy of the article above.