A common autumn chore is cleaning the eaves. That means that in the next few weeks, many of us will be climbing up ladders. And, as everyone knows, what goes up must eventually come up-one way or another. If ladder safety isn't a concern in your workplace, add it to your list of off-the-job safety talk topics, to keep your workers safe at home, too. And share these ladder safety pointers with your workers:

1. Do a safety inspection. Never use a ladder with broken, missing, or loose parts. Check for oil or grease on the rungs. Ensure that ropes, pulleys, and locks are in good condition and the feet have clean, sturdy non-slip soles.
2. Wear appropriate shoes. Your shoes should also have clean non-slip soles, and a definite heel to prevent your foot from slipping through the ladder.
3. Conduct a perimeter check. Look around. What's overhead? Beside? In front? Behind? See any electrical lines?
4. Position the ladder correctly. Set the base of the ladder one foot out from the structure for every four feet of height. Don't over-extend the sections. Use a rope or strap to secure the ladder so that it won't slip or fall.
5. Be seen. Let others know you're there. Enlist your youngster as a lookout, and post warning signs. If you have to work in a doorway, block it and lock it.
6. Keep steady. To climb a long ladder, try a "bearclimb," which lessens bouncing. Move the right hand and foot together, and then the left hand and foot. It takes a bit of practice.
7. Don't go all the way up. Stop climbing when you are at least three rungs from the top.
8. Use a toolbelt. Keep your hands free for climbing. Secure tools in a tool belt and hoist larger tools in an approved container after you have reached your work height. Carrying heavy or bulky objects up a ladder can cause you to lose your grip and balance.
9. No reaching. Always climb down and move the ladder if you cannot easily reach your work.
10. Ladder use is a solo act. Only one person at a time on the ladder. There should be no backseat drivers with this job.

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