The fall months are a beautiful time of year in our area, but they are also a time when we are likely to do a lot more yard work, including jobs like cleaning out gutters and downspouts, etc. How can we make sure that we do this safely, particularly when using a ladder?
When using a ladder, be on guard against becoming overly confident or relaxed. Ladders are the cause of many injuries each year so be extra careful when ascending and descending each rung, especially as you approach the ground.
Check that you have a very secure footing on your ladder before going up it and remember that serious accidents can still happen even if you are not going up very high so it is always best to double-check.
Never be tempted to overreach when using a ladder, this is likely to happen when cleaning out gutters. Yes, it can be very irritating to have to constantly go up and down just to move the ladder over a fraction, but the extra time and effort are worth it.
While it is not recommended, if you do have to position a ladder over a doorway, make sure the door is locked first and that everyone at home knows that they cannot use it.
So, when tackling the cleanup of your yard this fall, remember to keep safety at the forefront, especially when using a ladder.
