Fall Home Improvement
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – With proper use, ladders provide that extra leg up on a number of out-of-the-way jobs. But used improperly, ladders can lead to serious injuries or worse. To help prevent catastrophes, OSHA – the Occupational Safety and Health Administration – offers safety training and tips on the proper use of ladders.
“We recently held a ladder training session at Spinney’s (Color & Design Center) to teach staff how to meet OSHA standards,” said the company’s owner, Grant Spinney.
Spinney, who also serves as a firefighter with the Presque Isle Fire Department, often has use for ladders – whether he’s climbing to a rooftop to put out a chimney fire or painting the eaves or ceiling of a home.
“I use ladders on a daily basis – more than most people,” said Spinney.
Spinney and his staff met recently with OSHA officials, taking part in a training program designed to improve on-the-job safety.
“We took part in Safety Works, an OSHA consultation service that provides employees with the education necessary to do their jobs safely,” said Spinney. “OSHA is starting to invest in smaller business.”
Spinney said a recent inspection and fine prompted the need for training.
“We paid a $750 fine. That’s a small price to pay if it brings about training that will prevent future injuries,” said Spinney.
Spinney indicated the fine came about when staff was found to be misusing a four-step ladder.
“It’s something I’m sure a lot of people do – stand backward to get a better reach. It’s something people do without thinking but can lead to injury,” said Spinney.
OSHA provides free training to help educate workers who use ladders and scaffolding on a regular basis.
“Through Safety Works, OSHA offers free training. You can get DVDs featuring the proper techniques for using such equipment so you can train yourself,” said Spinney.
Spinney said his crew takes their work seriously and do everything they can to maintain a safe work environment. The recent training session served as an educational experience, providing information on ways staff could improve on how they use equipment on a regular basis.
“My men put safety first. OSHA recently completed a courtesy inspection at my facility. It worked out well. We got a clean bill of health,” said Spinney.
Whether you’re looking to do a small home repair or something on a larger scale, OSHA provides information on their Web site for the proper use of ladders – information that can benefit the homeowner looking to do a small maintenance job or the construction company building a major structure. For more information on ladder safety, visit www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/construction/falls/4ladders.html.
