In conversation
“Climb the ladder? Better stay on the ground!”
Climbing a ladder is part of everyday working life for many people – not only on construction sites, but also in the home. However, ladders are responsible for almost half of all fall accidents on construction sites. Achim Fachbach, specialist for ladders and scaffolding in the building construction department of BG BAU, explains why this is the case, how ladders are used safely and what alternatives there are in an interview with Basi.
Why are ladders so unsafe?
Fachbach: Many people overestimate the stability of ladders. They can slip or tip over faster than you think – this is usually caused by the weight of the person. Many accidents are caused by someone losing their balance at height. It is also not uncommon for people to slip off the rungs. This happens, for example, when they climb up with wet shoes.
Do you need instructions to climb it?
Fachbach: Yes! Everyone thinks they can simply climb up without fall protection. But it’s worth reading the operating instructions that come with every ladder. It is often in the form of a pictogram on the side of the device. This shows, for example, how high a person is allowed to climb and how much load the ladder can bear. You should also be able to see how to lean the ladder correctly.
The BG BAU has developed a 5-point program to prevent ladder accidents (see also the links below the interview). What is behind it?
Fachbach: Companies are obliged to ensure operational safety – this also means preventing hazards from ladders as far as possible. We want to simplify this with the 5-point program and thus ensure legal certainty.
Among other things, you recommend ladder accessories to prevent accidents. How can we imagine that?
Fachbach: As a rule, the aim is to improve the stability of a ladder. This can be achieved, for example, by screwing the upper part to the gutter. Another option is to widen the base of the ladder or make it non-slip with mats. It can also be anchored in the ground using spikes.
What alternatives are there to the ladder?
Fachbach: In our occupational safety training at BG BAU, for example, we recommend so-called small lifting platforms that can be extended. But there are also single-person scaffolds. However, it is best to stay on the ground when working and use suitable equipment to carry out your tasks from there. This can be done with automatic hooks, for example, which a crane uses to transport special components to a specific, predetermined location. These hooks can then be released by remote control. Cleaning companies have the option of using telescopic pole systems to clean high windows.
And if you can’t avoid the ladder…
Fachbach: … then it should have steps instead of rungs and preferably a handrail – or a platform on which you can work at the top.
Why should employees be instructed in how to use a ladder?
Fachbach: Because knowledge about safe use is not very widespread. Who thinks about the right angle when leaning on the ladder so that it doesn’t slip? And who takes into account that the top two steps should not be stepped on – or that it is dangerous to lean out to the side when you are on the ladder? All of this has to be part of the instruction, which the employer either takes into their own hands – or a trained occupational safety specialist, for example.
The 5-point program also includes checking and inspecting the ladder. Who does this and how often do ladders need to be checked?
Fachbach: Before using the ladder, you should look at it – in other words, check that it is intact and, for example, that the foot sections that prevent it from slipping away are not broken. This can be done with a few targeted glances. However, the ladder must also be checked at least once a year, as it is subjected to different loads depending on whether it is used for cleaning buildings or in building construction and civil engineering, for example. The inspection is usually carried out as part of a risk assessment within a specified period by a trained person appointed in writing. This can either be an employee or an expert from a company specially engaged for this purpose.
Is the 5-point program accepted by the construction companies?
Fachbach: Yes – we have been experiencing this for a year now, when we officially launched the program. The BG BAU supervisors are increasingly being asked about safe alternatives to ladders and there are more and more applications for funding, for example with regard to ladder accessories. When we present the program at trade fairs, for example, we get positive feedback. Many entrepreneurs, but also employees, learn about it for the first time and are relieved because they can prevent accidents.
Here you can find more information on the 5-point program and instructions on the safe use of ladders
– www.bgbau.de/hilfe-anlegeleitern
– www.bgbau.de/hilfe-stehleitern
– https://bauportal.bgbau.de/bauportal-22022/thema/hochbau/ein-personen-gerueste-als-alternative-zu-leitern
– https://bauportal.bgbau.de/bauportal-32020/thema/hochbau/aktuelle-veraenderung-in-der-leiterwelt
– https://bgbauaktuell.bgbau.de/bg-bau-aktuell-12021/artikel-12021/ausgeleitert
– https://bgbauaktuell.bgbau.de/bg-bau-aktuell-42021/artikel-42021/infomedien-leiterunfaelle-vermeiden