Question
To access a landing that is nine feet above the adjacent floor, a worker climbs an unsecured 10-foot ladder that has slip-resistant feet. Does this ladder pose a fall hazard to the worker?
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Yes, using a 10-foot ladder to access a landing that is nine feet above the adjacent floor does pose a fall hazard to the worker. Even though the ladder is long enough to reach the landing, several factors contribute to the risk:
1. **Unsecured Ladder**: An unsecured ladder is more likely to slip or topple, especially if the worker is moving or shifting their weight while climbing or working from the ladder.
2. **Ladder Height**: It is generally recommended that when using a ladder, the user should not stand on the top rung or the top two rungs, depending on the ladder type. If the worker has to stand on the top rung or near it to reach the landing, this could increase the risk of losing balance.
3. **Working at Height**: Working at a height of nine feet inherently presents a risk of falling if proper safety measures are not in place.
4. **Surface Conditions**: If the floor where the ladder is placed is uneven or slippery, this increases the risk of a fall.
Taking these factors into account, it is important to follow safety regulations and best practices, such as securing the ladder, using a ladder with adequate height, and ensuring a stable and safe working environment while accessing heights.
1. **Unsecured Ladder**: An unsecured ladder is more likely to slip or topple, especially if the worker is moving or shifting their weight while climbing or working from the ladder.
2. **Ladder Height**: It is generally recommended that when using a ladder, the user should not stand on the top rung or the top two rungs, depending on the ladder type. If the worker has to stand on the top rung or near it to reach the landing, this could increase the risk of losing balance.
3. **Working at Height**: Working at a height of nine feet inherently presents a risk of falling if proper safety measures are not in place.
4. **Surface Conditions**: If the floor where the ladder is placed is uneven or slippery, this increases the risk of a fall.
Taking these factors into account, it is important to follow safety regulations and best practices, such as securing the ladder, using a ladder with adequate height, and ensuring a stable and safe working environment while accessing heights.