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Tractors and other machinery often cause terrible farm accidents. But farmers also suffer disabling injuries from a far simpler tool with few moving parts – the ladder.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that more than 50,000 people receive medical treatment each year for fractured bones, cuts and internal injuries from ladder falls. Three hundred fatal accidents a year involving ladders prove that your life can depend on always using this tool with caution.

In addition to following the tips below from orthopedic surgeons and ladder experts, you should continually remind yourself to simply be careful when working on a ladder – especially during this season of cold and ice. Heavier clothing, warmer gloves, thicker-soled boots and slipperier surfaces can make it easier to lose your balance, grip or footing. Here are some other ladder reminders:

1. Inspect it first: Check for mud, snow, grease or other slippery substances on the ladder and your shoes – wipe clean before climbing.
2. Use the correct ladder: Make sure you have the right ladder size according to the task and working load.
3. Know how to set it up right:

• 3 feet of extension – Side rails should extend above the top support point by at least 36 inches. When climbing onto the roof, the top of the ladder should be 3 feet higher than the roof.

• 1 foot back for every 4 feet up – The bottom of the ladder should be one foot away from the wall for every 4 feet that the ladder rises.

• No set-up in doorways or walkways.

• No set-up near electrical lines, tree limbs or other obstructions.

• No cords, hoses or ropes – Keep the ladder clear of items that could create a fall.

1. Always face the ladder and hold on with both hands when climbing. Don’t carry materials or tools, except in a tool belt or bag.
2. One person at a time – two may cause the ladder to fail or throw it off balance.
3. Keep your weight even – don’t lean to one side.
4. Never stand above the indicated topmost safe step or on the cross-braces.
5. Ask someone to hold the ladder at the bottom or secure it.
6. Never use a metal ladder near electrical lines.
7. Don’t attempt to reach an item out of your grasp – move the ladder instead.