HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Base safety officials here encourage personnel to prioritize safety when starting spring-cleaning projects.
March is National Ladder Safety Month, as it is commonly a time for home and workplace projects that require using ladders.
“We are focused on making sure ladders are appropriately marked and people are trained on the proper use of those ladders,” said Shaun Bassett, 66th Air Base Group Safety acting director.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration offers the following tips to help workers prevent ladder-related injuries:
- Maintain a three-point contact, two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand, when climbing or descending.
- Face the ladder when climbing or descending.
- Keep the body inside the side rails.
- Use extra care when getting on or off the ladder at the top or bottom.
- Avoid tipping the ladder sideways or causing the base to slide.
- Carry tools in a tool belt or raise them using a hand line. Never hand-carry tools while climbing or descending a ladder.
- Extend the top of the ladder three feet above the landing.
- Keep ladders free of any slippery materials.
Safety officials stress that all base personnel, not just those in the safety career field, play a vital role in identifying and reporting concerns.
“If you see something around the base that needs to be reported, please give the office a call,” said Bassett. “Everyone can be a ‘safety sensor.’ That is the only way our office can help address any issues.”
The safety office is actively engaging with personnel this month, offering training and ensuring each unit has a safety representative to assist with incident reporting and other safety requirements.
“People may not realize there is safety guidance and trainings they should attend before they get a ladder, or before using them,” said Senior Airman Cordell Reed, 66 ABG safety specialist. “If they have an old ladder, they need to make sure they have up to date safety stickers, and it is in good working order.”
For more information on ladder safety, or for any other safety related questions, contact the 66 ABG Safety Office at 781-225-5584.