As March ushers in National Ladder Safety Month, the Las Cruces Fire Department is looking to raise awareness around the proper use of ladders and elevated work platforms. With the startling statistic from the Consumer Product Safety Commission that nearly half a million Americans are injured each year in ladder-related incidents, the department's message is clear, safety should never be an afterthought when working above ground level.
Contractors and home enthusiasts alike are being reminded to always select the appropriate ladder for the project at hand, whether it be step ladders, extension ladders, or scaffolding. The Las Cruces Fire Department emphasizes the need to not only follow, but to fully understand the manufacturer's directions and safety recommendations to properly mitigate risk.
Key safety tips from the department include setting up ladders on flat and clutter-free surfaces, respecting load ratings, and adhering to height limitations to avoid precarious situations. "Always maintain three points of contact while on a ladder," as per Las Cruces Fire Department, serving as a reminder that balance and caution are paramount. Carrying only what you can manage up or down a ladder was also among the highlighted precautions.
The Las Cruces Fire Department also advocates the use of a spotter, a second person who can help to stabilize the ladder and warns against leaning or reaching away while atop the ladder, which can easily lead it to become unstable. It's important, too, never to underestimate the simple dangers such as leaving a ladder unattended or using one near power sources and electrical lines.
