Werner Podium Ladder

WernerCo. has introduced a new platform ladder called the Podium which is ideal for working at fixed heights and is designed to provide a full range of motion while providing protection at every angle.

The Podium ladder uses the LOCKTOP™ design which organizes tools at the top of the ladder which also functions as an integrated waist-high guard rail that securely wraps around the work zone.  The ladder also features the EDGE360™ bracing system that gives protection from every angle on the over-sized platform which allows four times the work zone then a standard ladder.

Mark Peters, Director of Marketing at WernerCo. stated that  "We designed our new Podium Ladder to help prevent misuse and falls. While safety is the most important feature, we also know that comfort, mobility and access are important to our customers who have to stand on a ladder for extended periods of time. The new Podium Ladder includes an actual standing platform vs. a traditional ladder step that allows for increased reach and range of motion. The best part, it feels like the user is standing on the ground instead of on a ladder.”

The Podium ladder is also equipped with a full set of rear horizontals, full aluminum bracing and is manufactured with seven-layer fiberglass construction.  The Podium has a 300lb load capacity which includes user and materials and has a Type 1A duty rating.

OSHA Extends Temporary Enforcement Measures for Residential Construction Into 2013

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration will extend for three months its temporary enforcement measures in residential construction. The temporary enforcement measures, now extended through March 15, 2013, include priority free on-site compliance assistance, penalty reductions, extended abatement dates, measures to ensure consistency and increased outreach.

OSHA Fall Prevention Fact Sheet

OSHA has been working closely with the industry to assist employers in complying with the new directive. From October 1, 2011 to September 30, 2012, OSHA's On-site Consultation Projects performed more than 3,000 on-site visits, conducted close to 1,100 training sessions and delivered close to 500 presentations related to fall protection in residential construction. OSHA’s regional and area offices also conducted more than 1,200 outreach activities on the directive. The agency will continue to work with employers to ensure a clear understanding of, and to facilitate compliance with, the new policy.

OSHA will also continue to develop materials to assist the industry, including a wide variety of educational and training materials to assist employers with compliance for residential construction and theFall Prevention Campaign.

Werner's New 3 section Fiberglass Extension Ladder

Werner Ladder has developed a new three section extension ladder that is convenient to store and maneuver, easy to transport (especially compact vehicles), and versatile. Fiberglass makes it non-conductive for use in proximity of electricity. Five sizes are available, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32 ft. lengths.  Their corresponding length's are 6'4", 8'4", 9'4" 11'4" and 12'4".  They have a OSHA duty rating of 300lbs.  They are currently available on our web site.

OSHA Top Citations

OSHA recently released its list of the most frequently cited workplace safety and health violations for 2011. The top 10, starting with the most violations: fall protection in construction, scaffolding in construction, hazard communication, respiratory protection, lockout/tagout, electrical wiring methods, powered industry trucks, ladders in construction, electrical requirements, and machine guarding. Find compliance advice at www.osha.gov/SLTC.

OSHA Residental Roofing Reminder

The United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently

rescinded the interim enforcement policy on fall protection for specified residential construction activities. Under the new policy, employers engaged in residential construction must comply with 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13).

Enforcement of this new residential roofing directive began September 15, 2011.

“Under 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13), workers engaged in residential construction six (6) feet or more above lower levels must be protected by conventional fall protection (i.e., guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems) or alternative fall protection measures allowed under 1926.501(b) for particular types of work.

A personal fall arrest system may consist of a full body harness, a deceleration device, a lanyard, and an anchor point. (See the definition of “personal fall arrest system” in 29 CFR 1926.500). If an employer can demonstrate that fall protection required under 1926.501(b)(13) is infeasible or presents a greater hazard it must implement a written, site-specific fall protection plan meeting the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.502(k). The fall protection plan must specify alternative measures that will be used to eliminate or reduce the possibility of employee falls.”*

For purposes of determining the applicability of section 1926.501(b)(13), the term “residential construction” is interpreted as covering construction work that satisfies the following two elements:

(1) The end-use of the structure being built must be as a home, i.e., a dwelling; and
(2) The structure being built must be constructed using traditional wood frame construction materials and
     methods.

For more information regarding changes to fall protection requirements in the residential construction industry, please visit www.osha.gov/doc/residential_fall_protection.html

Werner Ladder Three Section Extension Ladder

Werner Ladder  has developed a three section extension ladder that is easy to transport and also compact enough to take into tight areas and extend.  Here is a like to a video showing it in use.  It has an OSHA duty rating of Type II.  It is now also available in fiberglass with a Type IA duty rating.  The sizes available are 16ft, 20ft, 24ft 28ft., and 32ft.

Keller Ladder Parts

Werner Ladder purchased the assets of Keller Ladder and we know have replacement parts for Keller Ladders Manufactured after 2000.  We now have available rung locks and feet for extension ladders and feet for step ladders.  To order you need the model number of your ladder and the year it was manufactured.  Replace parts are supplied with hardware to attach them to your ladders.

Werner Ladder Replacement Parts

Bird Ladder is now your stocking distributor for Werner , Louisville, Keller and Greenbull ladder replacement parts.  These kits are from the manufacturers and are ladder specific.  To order you need to know the manufacturers part number for your ladder and in some cases the year the ladder was manufactured.  Keller replacement parts are only for ladders manufactured after the year 2000.  Most kits are sold as sets of two.  It is best to replace both parts at the same time.

Ladder Safety Lock

There is a new product that can be used to secure your extension ladder to a building and reduce the possibility of your ladder falling. The product is called "Ladder Lock" It will help you comply with OSHA requirements to secure your ladder. It will clamp onto plywood, metal overhangs, 5 and 6" gutters, drip edge and wall cap flashing and tubing. When used on gutters the adjustable arm actually folds back into the gutter to prevent the ladder from crushing the gutter. The ladder lock can be installed on either the left or right side of the ladder. An independent engineering company has tested the ladder lock and it follows OSHA guidelines for securing an extension ladder. Here is a link to a facebook video on the product showing it in use. If you are interested in purchasing, here is a link to our site.

Safety Training Videos

while searching the internet I came across some safety videos that might be of interest to you to keep up with OSHA training requirements. Two of the sites are free and one is pay.

A video on fall distance calculations as covered in 1926.502(d)(16).

This 22 minute video introduces the viewer to fall distance calculations for personal fall arrest systems. OSHA, (July, 1998). Topics covered include anchor points, lanyard types, lanyard reach and various harness types. Sample calculations for determining proximity to the edge of a platform and fall distances are also included in the video.

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/video/whatsthefalldistance/video.html

Roof safety video

http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=osha+safety+videos&hl=en&emb=0#q=roof+safety+video&hl=en&emb=0

This web site has training programs available at a cost that your employees can do online.

http://direct.safetyskills.com/safetyskills-course-list.aspx

Werner Safety Training program

Werner Ladder now has a safety training program available on the internet that covers ladder safety training and pump jack safety training. You can purchase either program on our web site for $25.00 each or take the course on line for $14.99. The program is also available in Spanish. After completion of the ladder program you will know how to:

Select the right ladder for your job.
Properly inspect your ladder.
Handle and transport your ladder to prevent damage to the ladder and injury to yourself.
Know the right ways to use your ladder.

After completion of the pump jack safety course you will be able to:

List the components of a pump jack system.
Set up your pump jack system.
Inspect you pump jack system.
safely use your pump jack system.

Bird Ladder supplies the pump jack safety course with every pump jack system it sells. This is a unique tool for the contractor to be able to train himself and his employees in the proper use of pump jacks. Again Werner leads the way in safety training.

OSHA Safety eTool Web Site

We have recently added links to the OSHA eTool web site. eTools are "stand-alone," interactive, Web-based training tools on occupational safety and health topics. They are highly illustrated and utilize graphical menus. Some also use expert system modules, which enable the user to answer questions, and receive reliable advice on how OSHA regulations apply to their work site. We feel that these modules will help contractors with training issues required by OSHA. Take a look at them. They are very well done.

Televator Telescoping Attic Ladder

The Televator made by Werner Ladder goes where other attic ladders can't giving you immediate access to untapped storage spaces. With one-person installation you can easily add a 2nd floor to any closet, hallway & garage. It is available in two sizes 8'4" and 10'3" floor to ceiling heights, using a 22" x 22" rough opening. With a duty rating of 250lbs. and a weight of 50lbs. one person can easily install this unit. The installer is required to make his own door but detailed instructions are included with the door hardware. Follow is a link to the Werner web site to see the video on this product. You can also see on our web site.