Within our industry there are some common mistakes that occur that result in injuries to our people. Here is a list of some of the most common mistakes so that you can discuss these with your team. Below the list of common mistakes is an example of a very good reason to always be diligent about safety when using a ladder.
Every year, more than 300 people die in ladder-related accidents, and thousands suffer disabling and/or debilitating injuries. Without better training and continuous innovation in safety planning and product design, we will continue to see far too many fatalities. National Ladder Safety Month will heighten awareness of safe ladder use, reinforce safety training and educate homeowners and working professionals. The American Ladder Institute shares these ladder safety tips during week 2 of National Ladder Safety Month. Please share these resources with your team. Every year, more than 300 people die in ladder-related accidents, and thousands suffer disabling and/or debilitating injuries. Without better training and continuous innovation in safety planning and product design, we will continue to see far too many fatalities. National Ladder Safety Month will heighten awareness of safe ladder use, reinforce safety training and educate homeowners and working professionals.
Main Ladder Safety Tips:
- Three points of contact: Always maintain three points of contact when using a ladder. Keep either two feet and one hand or one foot and two hands on the ladder as you are descending or ascending. When working, in addition to your having both feet supported on a step or rung, brace yourself into the ladder.
- Climb slowly: Climbing slowly and deliberately ensures you don't make any sudden movements that could contribute to a fall.
- Maintain a center of gravity: Keep the center of your belt buckle/stomach between the ladder's side rails when climbing and working. Do not overreach.
- Pay attention throughout the entire climb: Devote your full attention to the climb and descent until you are safely off the ladder. Simple mistakes and oversight can have severe consequences.Here is a video from American Ladder Institute on Ladder Selection, set-up, and common mistakes.
Below is a video from the American Ladder Institute on Ladder Selection, set-up, and common mistakes:
- Register for FREE! The ladder safety training is 100% free. If you are a Training Manager you can register employees within your organization as well.
- Select A Ladder Type Choose from the American Ladder Institute’s library of safety training modules. Take a pretest to see what you know.
- Watch and Learn Watch media-rich training videos that demonstrate safe ladder practices.
- Take the Safety Test Successfully complete the final safety test to earn your certificate of completion. Share your scores with your friends or Training Manager.
Please see video below regarding ladder safety from the American Ladder Institute:
Establishments covered by the OSHA’s electronic recordkeeping requirements must submit their completed 2019 Form 300A using OSHA’s Injury Tracking Application (ITA) by Monday, March 2, 2020. Here is a link to find the Tracking Application.
PestSure's Loss Prevention team conducted our 2019 meeting last week in Tucson, Arizona. With over 100 guests and 50 PestSure companies represented, it was a great time to learn about the latest safety topics in the pest control industry. If you weren't able to make it this year, you can find the presentations in the Members Only section of the website.
Gree Reannounces Dehumidifier Recall Due to Serious Fire and Burn Hazards; More Fires and Property Damage Reported
On September 12, 2013, Gree, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, announced a recall on dehumidifiers manufactured by Gree Electric Appliances of China and were sold from January 2005 through August 2013. The dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke and catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.
What is PestSure?
PestSure is an insurance company that is wholly owned by its members, pest control operators, also known as a captive. Headquartered in Dallas, TX, the PestSure team consists of insurance experts, a dedicated claims unit, and loss prevention services that all specialize exclusively in the pest control industry.
What is a captive?
A captive is an alternative insurance model that exists as an insurance company dedicated to providing coverage for itself. The captive members all pay their fair share of the insurance premiums and the captive pays out claims like any other insurance company.
So how is that better than a standard insurance carrier?
The captive’s main priority is to serve the captive members, not shareholders! PestSure is also able to focus our expertise on one type of business, not the diverse businesses that typical insurance carriers have to worry about. This means better coverage and claims handling than you’ll find anywhere else.
What will this blog provide for its readers?
Throughout the year, the PestSure blog team will be providing the following to its readership:
- Loss Prevention/Safety Tips
- Important happenings in the industry
- Highlights of events that PestSure is a part of
- Insurance changes relevant to pest control companies
- Any topics requested from readers like you!
- The PestSure Blog Team

