Welcome to the orchard,
where hard working orchardists have been using ladders
to pick the freshest, most delicious fruit
for millions of people for hundreds of years.
Here we have an orchardist -
wearing a hat,
shoes with a solid heel and good traction,
and clothing that is not too loose so he doesn’t trip.
He is trained to pick fruit with the utmost efficiency and grace
so the farm can reach anticipated production goals.
His tool is the orchard ladder!
Crafted thousands of years ago,
this device can withstand earth’s roughest elements
and assist humans in safe ascension to incredible heights.
Ah ah ah...not so fast.
There are many ways to use an orchard ladder—
but not all of them are safe.
First: you must choose the right ladder and inspect it.
It’s important to consider the right height for the job.
A thorough inspection of each ladder,
including ensuring all labels are in place and readable,
must be done at least once a year by the employer.
And then it must undergo a daily check prior to use.
Check the ladders for defects
such as cracks,
corrosion,
unsecured bolts,
loose or missing rivets,
dents,
and slip hazards, such as mud.
Look for side rails that are starting to twist.
Make sure the tongue is tightly attached at the top of the ladder.
Every farm must have a clear system for marking rejected ladders
so that damaged ladders do not make their way back out into the orchard.
Now, with your newly-inspected ladder,
you may move to the location where you will be picking.
Very nice.
As you set up your ladder,
remember to always use the tongue.
No, not that tongue.
That tongue!
Watch out for vermin holes or mounds as you are placing the tongue.
Be careful to put it an angle that is not too steep that it tips over backwards,
but also not too flat that the tongue kicks out.
A good way to check for correct position
is to set the ladder so that your toes touch where the ladder meets the ground
and with outstretched arms, touch the side rails with your fingertips.
If you can’t reach the side rails in front of you,
the angle is too flat.
If your elbow bends,
it’s too steep.
Ensure your ladder is set correctly
by stepping firmly on the bottom rungs and applying pressure.
Orchard ladders should only be used in soil
and not on a hard ground surface or indoors.
Also be mindful of roots and rocks.
Now, you can begin your ascension.
As you climb, remember:
Maintain at least three points of contact with the ladder.
Place your hands on the side rails and not the rungs.
Try to stay facing the ladder while moving up and down.
Keep the center of your foot planted on the rung while climbing and picking.
You're right!
Never step on the top step.
Don’t try to climb and pick too quickly—
it’s more important that you are set up safely
than going as quickly as possible.
Lastly: Think about the belt buckle rule.
You don’t know the belt buckle rule?
This rule reminds us not to reach out too far.
Keep your belt buckle area between the side rails.
But what if the fruit is further away, you ask?
Well, you must move the ladder as needed to avoid leaning too far.
You know this, but for any first-time orchardists out there:
never step on branches to grab something out of your reach.
Excuse me?
Are you forgetting something?
Tractors and ladders can be a dangerous combination.
Be mindful and attentive when a tractor or ATV drives by the ladder.
Work with your orchard team to ensure rows aren’t congested with ladders and vehicles.
Congratulations!
You've done it!
You now know how to safely use the orchard ladder.
Now,
go forth and pick that fruit!
To learn more, visit saif.com/ladders.