It was not designed as a balancing stick. This use was offered as a response to a question I asked a painter about his fall protection. At another jobsite, selected purposely to test a group of safety manager students, it didn't take long to accumulate an extensive list of violations. Their first hit provided three in one. An individual on a stepladder decided straddling between the top step and one of the braces on the opposite side suited his purposes best.
Respirators are also critical.
Considering the extent the painting industry depends on respirators, one would expect to find few improper behaviors. In fact, a common joke in the industry is about the painter who cut a hole in the respirator to smoke a cigarette. Unfortunately, it's no joke. Neither is the importance of the respirator. Many substances to which you may be exposed act slowly.