Ladder safety is something we discuss on a regular basis at my company. We have two main rules; no climbing on a roof if you are by yourself, and always make certain the feet are firmly planted. We have had no accidents of any kind in 14 years, and our first ladder related accident was just last Wed. And it was ME!
I have this thing about "damsels in distress". Or maybe, to be more accurate, I have this need to be "the knight in shining armor". All my guys were out, an elderly widowed customer called about a new roof leak, so I set out to save her. I knew the house from previous visits, and felt comfortable climbing on her roof by myself. (Rule # 1).
I set the ladder on the wood deck (questionable move), and started up the ladder. About halfway up, let's say my feet were about five feet off the ground, I felt the feet of the ladder sliding. This is an absolutely helpless feeling, and I hope you never experience it. Down goes the ladder and down goes Bob. (Rule # 2).
As it turned out, I was very lucky that day. No broken bones, no ambulance ride, and I finished out the day with my hurt pride as my worst injury. I limped around on a sore left ankle for a few days, but that's about it.
Incidents like this are due to complacency, and we should never allow ourselves to think we are smarter than the safety rules that govern our very own employees. On Thursday morning I stood in front of my men and told the entire story. They needed to be reminded just how easily accidents can happen when we don't follow safety protocol.
This is a slow time of year for many of us. Be careful! Don't let your way of thinking slow down as well. I feel very fortunate to be sharing this story.
See you all in Orlando!
Michael Derose said
Jan 18, 2016
Bob glad your ok.
Steve Mazzuca said
Jan 18, 2016
Yikes! Thanks for sharing Bob. Message received!
John Aloisio said
Jan 18, 2016
Bob,
Nice to hear you just wounded your pride and not your golf swing Hope is does not affect your AARP membership..
On a serious note, here is a link for the OSHA quick card for ladder safety. We have these printed and laminated in every truck box.
Yikes Bob, glad to hear you are ok. Great reminders for us all. Those slippery decks are the worst!
Bob Riddick said
Jan 19, 2016
Thanks, guys. It doesn't matter how many times or how many years you have worked with the same tools, you need to respect them each and every time you go to use them. Lesson learned, and no feed back from AARP yet, John.
AC Lockyer said
Jan 19, 2016
Glad your OK!
Our new 20 Classes in the NEW and IMPROVED Certified Applicator Program has a stand alone Ladder Class in it. Seems too late for you though....:)
AC
Tim Teed said
Jan 19, 2016
You were probably thinking about the cup of coffee and slice of pie that she had waiting after job was done. Safety is definitely a mindset whether on a ladder or backing up a truck. Its so important to take time and do it right
Eric Hemming said
Jan 20, 2016
I am glad your OK!
Troy Layman said
Jan 21, 2016
Sir Riddick (knight in shining armor), that reminds me of a line in the movie "Red Tails"..."Experience is a harsh teacher. She gives the test first, then teaches you the lesson." I'm glad all that was truly injured was your pride while relearning this lesson. I worked in sheet metal shop after high school and my foreman fell on a ladder the exact same way and broke the bones in the lower legs (tibia and fibula) in both legs, as well as his arm, and one injury just too horrible to mention. It wasn't the genitals, but close by, and it left him out of work for about 3 months and he came back on light duty (sitting and walking around supervising).
David Harrington said
Mar 8, 2016
Thanks for the great reminder on ladders. The minute you don't respect the danger that is when you get bit. Glad you are ok, that could have been much worse!
Brandon I love your video, that is just awesome! Did you put it together yourself?
Ladder safety is something we discuss on a regular basis at my company. We have two main rules; no climbing on a roof if you are by yourself, and always make certain the feet are firmly planted. We have had no accidents of any kind in 14 years, and our first ladder related accident was just last Wed. And it was ME!
I have this thing about "damsels in distress". Or maybe, to be more accurate, I have this need to be "the knight in shining armor". All my guys were out, an elderly widowed customer called about a new roof leak, so I set out to save her. I knew the house from previous visits, and felt comfortable climbing on her roof by myself. (Rule # 1).
I set the ladder on the wood deck (questionable move), and started up the ladder. About halfway up, let's say my feet were about five feet off the ground, I felt the feet of the ladder sliding. This is an absolutely helpless feeling, and I hope you never experience it. Down goes the ladder and down goes Bob. (Rule # 2).
As it turned out, I was very lucky that day. No broken bones, no ambulance ride, and I finished out the day with my hurt pride as my worst injury. I limped around on a sore left ankle for a few days, but that's about it.
Incidents like this are due to complacency, and we should never allow ourselves to think we are smarter than the safety rules that govern our very own employees. On Thursday morning I stood in front of my men and told the entire story. They needed to be reminded just how easily accidents can happen when we don't follow safety protocol.
This is a slow time of year for many of us. Be careful! Don't let your way of thinking slow down as well. I feel very fortunate to be sharing this story.
See you all in Orlando!
Bob,
Nice to hear you just wounded your pride and not your golf swing
Hope is does not affect your AARP membership..
On a serious note, here is a link for the OSHA quick card for ladder safety. We have these printed and laminated in every truck box.
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/portable_ladder_qc.html
See you at the show.
Yikes Bob, glad to hear you are ok. Great reminders for us all. Those slippery decks are the worst!
Thanks, guys. It doesn't matter how many times or how many years you have worked with the same tools, you need to respect them each and every time you go to use them. Lesson learned, and no feed back from AARP yet, John.
Our new 20 Classes in the NEW and IMPROVED Certified Applicator Program has a stand alone Ladder Class in it. Seems too late for you though....:)
AC
Thanks for the great reminder on ladders. The minute you don't respect the danger that is when you get bit. Glad you are ok, that could have been much worse!
Brandon I love your video, that is just awesome! Did you put it together yourself?