Ladders are important and useful tools around the home during the summer, from painting and cleaning out your gutters to retrieving a Frisbee or ball. However, if basic safety tips are ignored, you could wind up hurting yourself – as 547,000 people did last year.

That’s how many people were treated in U.S. emergency departments, doctors’ offices and clinics because of injuries directly related to improper ladder use. Most of these injuries were cuts, bruises and fractured bones. Some were far more serious.

Don’t let this happen to you. Whether you’re cleaning gutters, painting or trimming branches, follow these simple safety tips and avoid a painful and possibly debilitating fall.

Inspect the ladder. Check for any loose screws, hinges or rungs that my need adjusting or replacing. Also, clean off any mud or other liquids that might have accumulated on the rungs.

Place ladder on level ground. Then open it completely, making sure all locks are engaged.

Always face the ladder when climbing. Be sure to wear slip-resistant shoes, such as those with rubber soles.

Always position ladder close to the work. Overreaching or leaning far to one side could make you lose your balance and fall.

Be careful when climbing. Ask someone to hold the ladder while you climb. Stay in the center of the ladder as you climb, and always hold the side rails with both hands.