Page 4 - March 2023 Newsletter

BEST EVER CHILI SAFETY LINES

MARCH is National Ladder Safety Month
Ingredients: Servings: 6 Almost every home in the United Sates has one, and chances are
you have used one personally either at work or at home. From
• Four (4) strips Bacon (sliced 1/2 inch thick) changing out a lightbulb to getting on top of a roof, ladders are a
• 1 1/2 pounds Ground Beef common piece of equipment used in almost every home or build-
• 1 Yellow Onion (diced) ing and appear to be harmless — and yet according to Injury Facts,
• 1 Green Bell Pepper (diced) thousands of people are killed due to falls from a ladder or scaffold-
• 3 Garlic Cloves (minced) ing work. In fact, falls are the second leading cause of death next to
• 2 Tbsp Chili Powder highway crashes.
• 1 Tbsp Ground Cumin
• 2 tsp Paprika (or smoked paprika) Taking place March 2023, National Ladder Safety Month is the only
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano movement dedicated exclusively to the promotion of ladder safety
• 1 tsp Salt – at home and at work. Every year, more than 300 people die from
• 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste a ladder-related accident and thousands suffer from disabling and/
• 28 oz Tomatoes (fire-roasted diced) or debilitating injuries.
• 15 oz Black Beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 oz Red Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed) Here are some helpful tips to always keep in mind when using a
• 2 cups Beef Broth ladder:
• 1 Bay Leaf - Read and follow all labels/markings on the ladder.
- Avoid electrical hazards! – Look for overhead power lines before
Directions: handling a ladder. Avoid using a metal ladder near power lines or
exposed energized electrical equipment.
Step 1 - Heat a large pot on medium heat, add the sliced bacon - Always inspect the ladder prior to using it. If the ladder is dam-
and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally and scraping any aged, it must be removed from service
browned bits from the bottom of the pan, about 10 minutes. and tagged until repaired or discarded.
Reduce heat if bacon is browning too quickly. - Always maintain a 3-point (two hands
and a foot, or two feet and a hand) con-
Step 2 - Add the onion, and bell pepper to the pot, stirring tact on the ladder when climbing. Keep
frequently. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until vegetables have soft- your body near the middle of the step
ened. Add the garlic and stir for another 30 seconds. and always face the ladder while climb-
ing (see diagram).
Step 3 - Add the ground beef, breaking into small pieces with a - Only use ladders and appropriate
spatula, until cooked through. Strain off any accumulated liquid accessories (ladder levelers, jacks or
and fat from the pot. hooks) for their designed purposes.
- Ladders must be free of any slippery material on the rungs, steps
Step 4 - Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the tomato or feet.
paste, and dried spices, and cook until they are fragrant, about 2 - Do not use the top step/rung of a ladder as a step/rung unless it
minutes. was designed for that purpose.

Step 5 - Add the canned tomatoes with juices, drained beans, Getting Started:
beef broth, and bay leaf. Give it a stir. Making the right choice between ladders – step stool, stepladder,
extension ladder, or even scaffolding or scissor lift – is key to pre-
Step 6 - Increase the heat to high until the chili comes to a boil. venting injury.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes uncov-
ered, stirring occasionally. In the meantime, here’s a tip: every ladder comes labeled with two
important specifications – the highest standing level for that ladder
Step 7 - To serve, remove bay leaf. Ladle servings into individual and the duty rating, which is the total weight
bowls. Garnish with avocado, red onion, cheese, cilantro or any that ladder can safety support.
other toppings.
These two things vary widely across ladders on
the market, so check for this label as you deter-
mine the right equipment for the job and, more
importantly, the worker tackling it.