Gutter cleaning, roof repair, tree trimming, and even changing a light bulb often require the use of a ladder, and it's the ladder that makes these jobs dangerous. Indeed, according to the National Safety Council, about 9 million nonfatal falls were treated in emergency departments in 2012, accounting for 30 percent of injury-related ER visits. To minimize your risk of injury, always position ladders on firm, level ground, make sure A-frame ladders are fully extended before you step on them, use a safety harness or spotter whenever possible, and choose the right size ladder for the job.
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