Why Fear is Good When It Comes to Ladder Safety

I realized my limitations earlier in the day, when I tried to move the extended ladder from one spot on the front of the house to another while on unsteady, mulch-covered ground—and dropped the ladder, skinning my shins and banging myself up.

Since then, I’d asked my friend Charlie to help me move the ladder and to “foot” it for me in some spots—i.e., holding the ladder solid to the wall of the house by placing his feet against the base of the ladder and extending his arms, applying pressure to the ladder.

I know from experience being the “foot” man is a boring job, and so I check in with Charlie now and again if the top of the ladder feels a bit loose. Sometimes he’s clearly not leaning on the ladder. Could be he’s having a smoke, I don’t know. But having done such a task in the past, I know it’s easy to slack up for just a second and that the ladder will start to fall. more info….