Ladder Safety
In orchards, ladders are one of the most commonly used pieces of equipment. But they’re also often associated with falls, one of the industry’s leading causes of injury. While falling from an orchard ladder may not sound that serious, it can result in injuries such as fractures or concussions.
Fortunately, falls from ladders and the injuries sustained from falling, can be prevented. Some important ways to ensure safe work around ladders include orientation and training, regular maintenance, and choosing the right ladder for the job.
Having good oversight is vital for all of these activities and that’s where supervisors come in. They’re instrumental in helping workers stay healthy and safe on the job.
Supervisors need to ensure that workers are properly trained and able to demonstrate they can use ladders safely on the terrain where they’ll be working. It’s also essential to monitor workers regularly to provide positive feedback and to correct unsafe acts and conditions when needed.
Of course, the responsibilities of a supervisor extend far beyond ladder safety. Additionally, they’re responsible for:
- Ensuring the health and safety of workers under their direct supervision
- Knowing the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation that apply to that job
- Ensuring that workers comply with the Regulations and are aware of all known hazards on the farm
- Consulting and cooperating with the joint health and safety committee (or worker health and safety representative)
- Cooperating with WorkSafeBC and its officers
Supervisors play a key role in keeping workers safe in orchards. Discussing ladder safety with workers can help ensure that every worker goes home safe at the end of the day.
For more information on ladder safety, visit worksafebc.com. AgSafe’s website (agsafebc.ca) also has some great resources, such as their safety consultant program.