What is the safest work platform or ladder?

S

ShawnF350

New member
I have been using two Werner platforms for detailing. One to keep from bending over with wash buckets, polishers etc.
The other I use to get around the vehicle.
I'm clumsy at times so..once I was polishing and went a little too far and right off the edge. The polisher nearly missed hitting the door..Just banged my elbow. I went down hard.
Twice now I've stepped off to find my weak ankle wasn't taking it well.
Yesterday..I was getting down with that..Oh I missed a spot on the roof over there. And my heel must have hit that step on the platform leg.
I fell as my foot rolled over.... heard a noise that wasnt good and thought my previously heeled ankle was done.
I had been out of work 3 months a few years ago for a work related sprain.
I'm hoping I can Walk It Off..My ankle feels ok but the top of my foot feels like I dropped a bowling ball on it.

I know the platform can get quite slippery at times and after this incident I'm done taking chances.
I think the step on the platform leg is useless and the height isn't really something I should be going up and down anymore without another step.
Is there anything better than step ladder.. Maybe I should get one with handles.

Any suggestions would be great..
 
Bonus you can even detail planes with it.


jlg-m600jp-series-electric-boom-lift.JPG


I got the Werner platform I like it but I haven't taken a header of it YET.
 
Even if I have to move a few more times I think the platform is too high for a weak ankle. Anything gets under my foot and I go down hard every time.
 
[ShawnF350 and Accumulator have been PMing about this...]

[INSERT Accumulator's usual Bauer 20900 recommendation]

ShawnF350- I don't think the 20900 will be too high. I'm just an average-size guy but I step up/down off mine with zero difficulty and could do so when dealing with a foot/ankle injury.

The "having to move it" is one reason why I have so many of them. Plus, I don't like to feel "crowded" on a platform lest it precipitate an "oops!" of some kind (if only because I was distracted thinking about it).
 
Accumulator, I actually see where that platform has a much larger area to work.
I'm going to check prices and go for one. I may make my kid be a spotter for a while. I've almost slipped off a few times when washing vehicles too. Can't take any more chances.

Just thinking..it's close to an even trade with my Flex 3401...which might go soon.
 
ShawnF350 said:
Any way you could post a photo of the two different platforms stuff by side? Werner vs Bauer
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Aw jeeze,...sorry but I don't do the digital-imaging thing (yeah, I know it's 2015 ;) ).

The two units are virtually identical though, with the Bauer being heavier and maybe thus more heavy-duty than the Werner. I don't think they make the Werner any more anyhow, so I'd just look for the Bauer. They're so similar that I can't tell which is which without looking at them, identical height/etc., functionally interchangable.
 
The Driver said:
I have a werner, buy it, throw some 3m grip tape on it an your golden.
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This is a great recommendation, The Driver, and I know that some will suggest using skateboard self-adhesive safety/grip tape as a substitute.

I also recommend that you use the locking tabs for the legs, if so equipped, at ALL TIMES. It is easy to forget to use them in a rush to, say, just clean off the bugs from one's truck's windshield. One fall from the 18-24 inch height that most platforms have in elevation step is enough to at least break bones or tear ALCs. And also, be aware of where your feet are relative to the platform. LOOK DOWN at your feet before stepping. Sounds stupid, but I get so engrossed in what I am working on, especially compounding or buffing, it is easy to step off the platform. Just something I've trained myself to do. And , as with most latters, DO NOT over-extend your reach. Keep both feet on the platform at all times. Buffers have a way of pulling you at unexpected times, causing you easily loose your balance.

Also, those who have platforms are well aware of the scratches from the corners that they can inflict on paints as they are moved around the vehicle. You can buy rubber or foam furniture corner guards at baby stores and re-purpose them by attaching them (some are self-adhesive, most are just slip-on) to the corners to act as bumpers to protect paint surfaces. At the least, you may want to file or sandpaper off the sharp corners and duct tape thin dense foam to the corners or just use a few layers of duct tape by itself. Yes, it does look cheap and jury-rigged, BUT preventing a deep scratch in your (or someone else's ) nice vehicle is far out-weighted by this unsightly tape on the corners.
 
The Werner can tip fairly easily if you over extend like trying to reach over to polish a roof without touch the vehicle. It needs a wider foot print.
 
The werner pro model is much more stable. It has a 16" platform instead of the 12" standard. I have one, it's rated to 300lbs and is very stable as long as you make sure the legs are locked out. Put it in position then pick up a corner, slide it a tad to make sure the one leg is out, then set the other side down.
 
Bunky said:
The Werner can tip fairly easily if you over extend like trying to reach over to polish a roof without touch the vehicle. It needs a wider foot print.
Click to expand...

Oh man would that concern me! The ones I keep advocating *WON'T tip over. Even if I do really goofy stuff..I simply couldn't make it happen when I tried.

I did just have to replace one of the safety latches, glad I inspected them (all the others were OK). Sorta surprised me that it needed done since I never fold them up.

Front-page article on the paper today about a guy who fell off a (not-so-tall) ladder- paralyzed from the armpits down. Forever. Gotta take this stuff seriously.
 
ShawnF350 said:
What do you guys think of this..I linked it before but I'll link a video as well. I like that it has rails to help getting up and down. Height adjustable. It's just a bit over $100. Maybe less area to work over a platform but you can't accidentally go off the side.

Steck #20350 Pro Step
Steck Manufacturing Pro Step Part #20350 - YouTube
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I like the looks of that one except for one thing. It's just a platform, no steps getting up. Looks like it could be a pretty large step up.
 
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