Hazards with Ladders: OSHA’s National Ladder Safety Month

Join OSHA this month in celebrating National Ladder Safety Month. Each week will consist of a new toolkit talk on a different construction risk management topic to help you and your employees stay safe this spring. Week one we are going to further discuss the general topic of ladder safety since according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the US leads the world in ladder deaths. However, the scary part is that most of these falls are only from 10ft above the ground or less! These falls could be due to a plethora of different issues from poor setup, dangerous activity while on the ladder, or an improper dismount. Therefore, OSHA is dedicating this month to review ladder safety topics and proper techniques to help raise awareness around this topic.

One of the biggest hazards when it comes to ladders is falling. Accidents can happen for many reasons, but the main reason for falls comes from: a poorly designed ladder, a poorly maintained ladder, a ladder that isn’t used as intended, the wrong ladder for the task at hand, employees aren’t trained in proper selection, use, and ladder care, or improperly stored ladders. 

To prevent a majority of ladder falls it is important to understand how ladders are rated. Ratings help determine which ladder to use in different circumstances by specifying the amount of weight it can safely bear. This is important because if the wrong ladder is used, it can collapse under the weight of the user and their load. 

• Type I-A “extra heavy duty” ladders can hold up to 300 pounds.
• Type I “heavy-duty” ladders can hold up to 250 pounds.
• Type II “medium duty” ladders can hold up to 225 pounds.
• Type III “light-duty” ladders hold up to 200 pounds, but these ladders aren’t typically used in the workplace.

1. Select the proper ladder using the rating system above
2. Inspect the ladder for cracks, damages rungs, and bent braces before using it
3. Position the ladder safely and securely on level firm ground, and set the proper angle (4:1)
4. Don’t place the ladder in front of door openings or block the doorway
5. If using a straight ladder to access a roof or platform, extend it 3’ beyond the landing
6. Keep three points of contact with the ladder when climbing
7. Raise and lower tools by a rope or tool pouch
8. Stay centered between the rails
9. Don't use metal or conductive ladders near power lines
10. Get help when carrying and setting up long ladders 

Follow these tips and make your employees aware of proper ladder use techniques to avoid fatal falls. To learn more about OSHA’s National Ladder Safety Month or for more information or visit: https://www.laddersafetymonth.com/.

DII is your partner in ladder safety. Our team of experts can work with you to understand how to educate your employees and keep everyone at the worksite safe while using ladders. Please contact your DII representative for more information. #LadderSafety #OSHA