Many if not most of industrial jobs are done at heights by climbing ladders, making it one of the more important part of work safety practices. It is no wonder that the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) found that, “Falls are a major cause of injury and death in Ontario workplaces,” and that “Most of these injuries and deaths have happened because fall protection was either missing or not used.” 
Fortunately there is a simple yet time-tested rule that minimizes if not prevents fall accidents and fatalities: the 3-point contact. This rule is as easy as remembering the ratio 2:1; when climbing either use two hands and 1 foot or 2 feet and one hand. Below are other valuable reminders to effectively utilize the 3-point contact:
The Area
- Free the climbing site from debris
- Report slippery surfaces, loose hand grips and damaged rungs/ steps
- All areas must be well-lit
The Ladder
- Secure the ladder at the top and at the bottom
- Ladder should be positioned at a proper safe angle: 1 foot out for every 3 feet up
- Ladder must be placed against a sturdy structure
The Worker
- Always face the ladder
- Stay within the center of the ladder
- Take it slow and don’t skip steps
- Always keep one hand on the ladder while using the other for work
- Only break the 3-point contact when your feet are set on the ground or a stable platform
For work involving heights, it is imperative that workers undergo proper fall-protection training.
Image credit: http://www.wta.mb.ca/newsletter/Newsletter%20images/ladder_safety.gif
