The Washington State Tree Fruit Association (WSTFA) is pleased to announce the release of a Ladder and Platform safety training video, which is part of a tree-fruit-focused worker safety video series being produced within the next year. Funding and support for this project have been provided by the State of Washington, Department of Labor & Industries, Safety & Health Investment Projects (SHIP) under award number K4670, which has offset the cost for growers.
A study conducted in 2006 with data from workers’ compensation claims in Washington State showed that ladder accidents accounted for more than 48% of compensable claims, resulting in the most frequent and costly injuries in orchards (Hofmann et al., 2006). Some growers have replaced ladders with mobile platforms to increase productivity while also reducing risks associated with poor ladder safety practices and decreasing physical demand from workers (Murphy, 2008). However, platforms also have their own safety issues that need to be addressed through training. Guided by Washington state regulations, these videos will teach employees how to recognize safe and unsafe conditions in their workplace, while using orchard ladders and platforms.
To access the video in English, click here, and to access the video in Spanish click here. WSTFA will have copies of the videos on USB drives available by request.
Washington State Tree Fruit Association acknowledges the collaboration of the L&I SHIP Program, Long Ranch, Rocket Pictures, Serrano Agriculture Safety Consulting, Sundquist Family of Companies, Green Acre Farms, Harmony Orchards, and Borges Fruit, in the production of this video.
For more information, to request a copy on USB or to volunteer your facility/orchard for video production, please contact Jacqui Gordon, Director of Training, Education and Member Services at 509-452-8555 or jacqui@wstfa.org
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