It's that time of year again, when homeowners scramble up ladders to clean gutters, install storm windows and cut branches on trees.

That is why the American Academy of Orthopaedic Sur- geons is advising people to take proper safety precautions to re- duce the chance of falling or hav- ing other ladder-related accidents.

While ladders aid many household chores, accidents are more common than one realizes. Frequent injuries include cuts, bruises and fractures.

About 200,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for ladder-related injuries in 2005, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Com- mission.

"Knowing how to properly use and set up a ladder can sig- nificantly reduce the possibility of being involved in a ladder-re- lated accident, such as falling," said Richard Kyle, the academy's president. "It is essen- tial that ladders are placed on firm, level surfaces and that the weight the ladders support doesn't exceed the maximum load capac- ity."

Staying safe on a ladder can be made easier if you follow these tips developed by the academy:

+Inspect the ladder. Check for any loose screws, hinges or rungs that might not have been fixed from its last use. Clean off any mud or liquids that might have accumulated. +Properly set up the ladder.

Place on a firm, level surface. Never place a ladder on ground that is uneven, and watch for soft, muddy spots. The same is true for uneven flooring. Remember to always engage the ladder locks or braces before climbing. If work- ing outside, make sure the lad- der-when extended-will not hit electrical wires, tree limbs or other obstructions.

+Remember the 1-to-4 rule: the bottom of the ladder should be 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet the ladder rises. If you're going to climb onto a roof, the ladder should extend at least 3 feet higher than the rooftop. And, the upper and lower sections of an extension ladder should overlap to provide stability.

+Do not use a ladder or its pail shelf as a seat between tasks.

+Select the right ladder for the job. If you're washing windows inside the home, choose a step stool or utility ladder. Extension ladders are ideal outdoors to reach high places, like gutters or the rooftop.

+Move materials with caution when on the ladder. While clean- ing the garage or closet, be care- ful when moving items on shelves. It's easy to be thrown off- balance and fall.

+Always position the ladder closer to the work. Overreaching or leaning too far can make you lose your balance and fall. Your bellybutton should not go beyond the sides of the ladder.

+Wear proper footwear. Make sure your shoelaces are tied and the soles of your shoes are free of debris or greasy or wet sub- stances. Do not wear leather-soled shoes, as they are slippery. Pant legs shouldn't be too wide or too long.

+Be careful when climbing; get help if you need it. Ask some- one to hold the ladder while you climb. Stay in the center of the ladder as you ascend, and always hold side rails with both hands. Also, make sure only one person climbs the ladder at a time.

For additional tips visit the websites at www.aaos.org or www.orthoinfo.org, or call (800) 824-BONES.

This story provided by StatePoint Media.