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Gutter CleaningRockford, Illinois

Ladder Safety for Gutter Cleaning

Updated

Short answer

More than 500,000 people are treated and about 300 die from ladder injuries in the U.S. each year (CDC NIOSH), and adults 65 and up are 80 percent more likely to visit an ER for a ladder or stool injury (CPSC). Use a standoff, firm level footing, a spotter, and never the top rung.

The rules

  • Set the ladder on firm, level ground; never on wet leaves or frozen soil.
  • Use a standoff so the ladder rests on the roof, not the gutter.
  • Have someone hold the bottom; the CPSC's checklist says to ask someone to "spot" you.
  • Never stand on the top rung, and keep your belt buckle between the rails.
  • Keep the ladder away from power lines, including the service drop to the house.
  • Move the ladder often instead of reaching.
  • Hang a bucket from the ladder; keep one hand free.

Who should not do it

The CPSC's report on older consumers found people 65 and older were 16 percent of ER-treated ladder injuries but 39 percent of the hospitalizations. NIOSH's ladder safety page notes many ladder injuries happen at home. Two-story gutters, steep roofs and anyone with balance problems are jobs to hand off; see gutter cleaning for seniors.

Sources: CDC NIOSH, National Ladder Safety Month bulletin; CDC NIOSH, Ladder Safety; CPSC, Home Safe: outdoor repairs checklist; CPSC, Special report on injuries to older consumers

Quick answers

How many people are hurt falling off ladders?

CDC's NIOSH says more than 500,000 people are treated and about 300 die from ladder-related injuries in the U.S. each year.

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