Every Year related accidents result in about 100,000 injuries more than 300 fatalities.

If ladder rungs or feet have defect, don't use ladder.

A ladder must always extend at least three feet above lip of trench.

All ladders must be secured so that they don't sway when you reach the top or step from the ladder to the ledge of the trench.

Always climb ladder empty handed using both hands.  Use an auxiliary line to pull tools or equipment to and from you work area.

If your doing electrical work or suspect you will be exposed to overhead wires, never use a metal ladder.  Use a fiberglass or wood ladder instead.

If a trench is deeper than four feet you must have a ladder to safely enter and exit.

Regardless of trench length, no worker should ever be more than 25 feet from a ladder.

Never put a ladder outside the trench box.  Sometimes the trench box can get crowded and it's often difficult to work the pipe, place the bedding, join the pipe, and still keep the ladder there with you.  Safe egress has priority over comfortable working quarters.

If the trench is sloped can you crawl up the embankment?  Absolutely not!  However, a ramp at either end of the trench is acceptable only if its sufficiently inclined so that you can walk not crawl up or down, sufficiently compacted to provide firm footing and not wet or slippery.

The safety Compliance Manager will conduct periodic inspections to monitor the effectiveness of the program.  It's up to everyone to make this program work and to maintain the company's overall commitment to safety.  Thank You.

To Show that you have received and understand this safety information, please sign and return one copy to the Foreman at your Monday morning safety meeting.  Keep the other copy for your reference.

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