Ladder Safety Month

Author: John Kelleher

March is Ladder Safety Month

In March, the American Ladder Institute (ALI) celebrates the 10^th National Ladder Safety Month , designed to raise awareness of ladder safety and decrease the number of ladder-related injuries and fatalities. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reported in 2023 that approximately 500,000 people are treated for ladder-related injuries each year. Approximately 300 of these incidents prove to be fatal. Most ladder-related deaths are from falls of 10 feet or less. ALI believes that many ladder safety incidents are preventable, and through increased awareness and training, the number of ladder-related incidents can decline. The ALI has outlined the following themes for each week of Ladder Safety Month:

• Week One: Choosing the Right Ladder
• Week Two: Check Before You Climb
• Week Three: Set It Up Safely
• Week Four: Climb Safely, Work Safely
• Week Five: Safe Steps with Stepstools

Elevate Your Ladder Safety Program

With National Ladder Safety Month upon us, now is a great time to evaluate ladder safety in your workplace. Do you have an effective ladder safety program and training for your workplace? At a minimum, if you use ladders at your workplace, you must comply with the applicable Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) regulations including Subpart D – Walking-Working Surfaces, and 29 CFR §1910.23 (Ladders) in General Industry and 29 CFR §1926.1053 (1926 Subpart X, Stairways and Ladders) in the Construction industry. Utilize Ladder Safety Month as a time to increase awareness and improve ladder safety at your workplace.

Take a step in the right direction and make sure your workplace follows these ladder safety tips:

• Ensure your ladder selection is the right one for the job. Match the ladder type (duty rating), material, and size to the task and environment. A ladder’s duty rating indicates its maximum safe load capacity, including the user’s body weight, clothing, protective gear, and any tools or materials carried.
• Inspect your ladder before each use. Look for cracks, bends, loose or missing screws and bolts, or other signs of wear and tear. Do not use damaged ladders; remove them from service immediately.
• Keep ladders away from electrical hazards. When working near electrical lines or equipment use nonconductive ladders, such as those made from fiberglass, or dry wood ladders. Never use metal ladders near electrical equipment.
• Set up and position your ladder effectively. Ensure ladders are set on a stable, firm, and level surface. Never place ladders on top of other items like boxes or pallets for increased height. For extension ladders, for every four feet of vertical height a ladder rises, its base should be placed one foot away from the wall or structure. When using an extension ladder to access a roof or upper landing, the side rails must extend at least three feet above the landing surface to provide handholds.
• When climbing a ladder, use the following safety practices:
  • Maintain three points of contact: When climbing up or down, or while working, always maintain a three-point contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) with the ladder. Use toolbelts to assist with carrying things when on a ladder.
  • Face the ladder when climbing or descending, stay centered when using the ladder and avoid reaching or leaning to one side or the other.
  • When storing ladders, secure them to prevent them from falling over or obstructing walkways, and keep them in a dry, cool place to prevent wear and tear.
  • Ensure employees who are responsible for using ladders at your workplace are trained in the proper inspection, selection, safe working practices, and storage of ladders.

Unsure on where your organization stands in ladder safety? ALL4 can help you evaluate your ladder safety program and take it to the next level. For more information about how ALL4 can help support your ladder safety program, contact John Kelleher at jkelleher@all4inc.com or (774) 249-3497.