Does OSHA require employees to receive ladder safety training?
Yes. All employees must be trained to recognize and deal with hazards related to ladders and stairways.
Which employees are required to receive ladder safety training?
Employees who perform activities that are related to construction (building, alterations, repairs, painting, etc.) and which require the use of ladders or stairways (defined as non-permanent structures used for access to elevated spaces/surfaces) must undergo ladder safety training before their respective assignments.
What general rules apply to all ladders?
All ladders must: (1) be maintained free of slipping hazards (oil, grease, etc.—including on slippery floor surfaces); (2) be used for their designated purposes only; (3) never be loaded above maximum rated capacity; (4) be secured and/or barricaded to prevent accidental movement; (5) not be moved, shifted, or extended while in use; (6) be equipped with nonconductive side rails if exposed to energy sources; (7) be climbed properly (facing the ladder, grasping rungs with at least one hand when climbing); and (8) have properly spaced, aligned, and secure rungs, cleats, and steps.
How often is refresher ladder safety training required?
Refresher training should be provided as necessary. Employers must, at all times, ensure that each employee maintains his or her understanding about the safe use and construction of ladders and stairways.
When are employers required to provide stairways and/or ladders?
As a general rule of thumb, employers must provide stairways/ladders when: (1) there is a break in elevation of at least 19 in (48 cm) and no ramp, runway, or other such embankment or hoist is available; or (2) when only one point of access exists between levels (the employer must ensure this access point is free of obstacles, or else provide a second clear point of access in its stead).
Does OSHA require specific topics to be covered in ladder safety training?
Yes. Employees must be informed about: (1) potential fall hazards in the worksite; (2) proper procedures for ladder/stairway erection, maintenance, and disassembly; (3) maximum (intended) load-carrying capacity of these structures; and (4) proper procedures for the construction, use, placement, and handling of ladders/stairways.
DVD cost effectively trains and retrains an unlimited amount of employees.
No trainer required, just pop in and play.
Video content keeps trainees engaged.
Very convenient, multiple employees don’t need to be pulled off the floor at once for a training session.
Includes both video content and an interactive quiz element to keep workers engaged.
More engaging than traditional training formats.
Can be customized to fit a companies specific work environment and equipment.
The only training option that can cover the "hands on" and "evaluation" portions of the training in addition to the "classroom" portion of the training.
CONS
Can be difficult to pull multiple workers off the floor at once to watch the video.
The DVD can get lost or scratched.
DVD can only train workers at a single location.
Due to the per person pricing format, it’s expensive for large companies that need to train hundreds or thousands of employees.
By far the most expensive training medium.
Administering refresher training as well as initial training for new employees can be a logistical nightmare.
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