Throughout the spring, summer, and fall, people take the time to trim trees. While this is a great time of the year to do so, it’s important to understand how Ladder accidents happen when trimming trees.

With a better understanding of what not to do, you’ll be able to practice proper ladder safety. Here are a few ways Ladder Accidents Happen when trimming trees.

Leaning the Ladder Against a Tree

A big no-no when it comes to ladder safety. You should never lean your ladder against a tree you are trimming or cutting down. This could lead to a ladder accident where you fall off, or the ladder falls with you. In addition, you become more likely to be hit by a fallen branch.

Leaning Out to Reach

When you’re on the ladder, and you’re trying to reach too far out, you could end up making the ladder tip. A good rule is to make sure your belt buckle remains inside the ladder rails at all times. If you have to lean to reach, it’s time to climb down and move the ladder.

Using the Wrong Ladder

Maybe the biggest reason Ladder Accidents happen when trimming trees, choosing the wrong ladder has disaster written all over it. For example, extension ladders are not good for trimming trees because they require you to lean them against the tree.

Make sure you’re using an A-frame ladder or something similar that doesn’t need to be leaned against the tree.

Ladder accidents happen because ladder safety standards are not followed. Every year, hundreds are killed, and thousands are injured due to ladder accidents. Spending time to review how to use a ladder properly is a great way to ensure you don’t end up as one of the ladder accidents this year. You can find more tips with our article titled “Arborists and Ladder Safety: What You Need to Know” and “What are Tripod Ladders?”

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