The practice of disassembling the upper and lower parts of extension ladders to make two base ladders has resulted in a serious injury to a worker. The worker was using the top section (the fly section) of a disassembled extension ladder as a base ladder. As he climbed about two metres (six feet) up the ladder, the base of the ladder slid on the concrete surface. The worker fell off the sliding ladder, striking his head on a steel brace before landing on the concrete floor. He suffered serious head injuries. The fly section lacked safety feet and the ladder was not secured (tied off).

Safe work practices:

• Ensure that all workers receive instruction in the safe performance of their duties.
• Use extension ladders in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• Tie off ladders to prevent slipping.
• Never use the fly section of an extension ladder as a base ladder.