Safety Talk

Two workers were attempting to install a wooden sign board on the storefront of a building. They were both on the ground attempting to position an aluminum ladder. They lost control of it, causing the ladder to fall backwards. It struck an 8,000-volt overhead power line. The two men were electrocuted instantly. Fatalities like this one occur all too often. The following are guidelines for the safe use of straight ladders: Is it in good repair?

• Check the condition of the rungs, side rails and feet, and make sure that they are secure.
• A wooden ladder should not be painted, because […]

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