Picking ladders are essential in Australian orchards but they can quickly become a safety risk if used the wrong way. A few simple habits make a big difference in keeping workers safe and fruit damage low. It’s also important to ensure that you use a ladder suitable for the size and strength of the trees. To learn more about the different types of ladders and their uses, Click Here.
Carrying a Ladder
Always carry a ladder in an upright position. Place one hand on a shoulder-height rung and the other at hip height. This gives the best control and balance.
Do not grip the same rung with both hands as it reduces stability and increases the chance of injury to yourself or others.
Positioning the Ladder
Bow picking ladders have a slight curve. The curve should always face toward the picker, never use it the other way around. Push the leg spikes into the ground and ensure the ladder is braced against strong branches and will not fall through the tree. Give the ladder a push and shake before climbing to ensure it is well braced. Do not set a ladder between trees or on weak branches.
If trees are planted on mounded soil, be careful to not position the ladder so it is on an angle, always position the ladder so the rungs are levelled to the horizon.
Around Irrigation
Be mindful of irrigation systems. Ladders can push over sprinklers or drag drip lines. Always lift the ladder over the lines and put anything moved back in place. Be careful not to puncture irrigation lines with the ladder spikes.
Climbing and Picking
Never climb the ladder with a near-full bag of fruit, it’s heavy work and increases the risk of you falling off the ladder. Climb up to the top of the tree with an empty bag, pick fruit and work your way down the tree filling the bag. Keep feet centred on the rungs. Do not lean too far to one side. Only pick what is safely within reach. Never stand on bins or other objects to gain extra height.
Keep three points of contact at all times two feet and one hand. As a guide, your hips should always be below the top rung. Do not climb higher where you lose that third contact. The AIM ladders have a red rung, do not climb on or above this rung.
Equipment Checks & Storage
Do not use ladders that are bent, cracked or broken. Report any damage and replace the ladder before continuing work.
When finished picking place ladders out of the way of tractors that need to pick up fruit in rows or move bins.
Ask your supervisor where to put ladders:
• In between trees
• End of rows
• On a ladder trailer or truck.
Final Word
Safe ladder use protects pickers and helps keep the harvest moving. Take time to carry, place and climb correctly. If you need advice on choosing the right tripod, bow or platform ladders for your orchard, AIM Sales can help.
