Smart Ladder Choice Prevents Falls: Six-step Work Platform Proves Valuable

When a Lac qui Parle County Highway Department employee lost his balance after his wrench slipped while removing the wing post from a snow plow, he fell from the step ladder and fractured his ankle.

After the incident, maintenance supervisor and crew foreman discussed options with the staff about what could be done to prevent similar injuries in the future. The group decided to purchase a six-step work platform with railings on three sides for each shop and test how they work.

Initially employees were concerned that the platforms would end up being just another piece of equipment that gets in the way when not in use. Happily, the crew discovered the platforms are actually more convenient than other types of ladders.

The head mechanic says he uses the work platform frequently for a variety of purposes. Also, unlike a folding ladder that needs to be carried to the work site and then properly set up and secured, work platforms roll into place easily and are secured by an employee’s weight when in use.

Take Steps to Prevent Accidents

Although this is an example of using work platforms in highway shops, these items are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. MCIT recommends that members include their safety committees in a discussion about the possibility of replacing existing smaller ladders and step stools with work platforms. These could be used for tasks such as accessing court records and general storage, as well as maintenance activities.