National Ladder Safety

Nearly every home or business owner will use a ladder at some point. They are a common tool used across many industries, which is why it’s important to ensure that workers are properly trained in ladder safety. In the United States alone, it’s estimated that more than 100 people die each year from ladder-related falls, with thousands more injured.

In this article, we will explore the dangers of ladder use and the key components of effective compliance and safety training programs. By prioritizing ladder safety and compliance with OSHA regulations, both employers and employees can help prevent ladder-related injuries and fatalities in the workplace.

The Importance of Safety Training for Ladder Use

Ladder use can be dangerous and even deadly if proper safety measures are not taken. Falls from ladders are a leading cause of occupational injuries and fatalities, accounting for approximately 20% of all workplace fatalities. This underscores the need for proper safety training for workers who use ladders on the job.

Safety training for ladder use is essential not only for preventing accidents, but also for improving productivity and reducing costs associated with lost work days and workers' compensation claims. Proper safety training can also help employers comply with OSHA regulations and avoid costly fines.

Statistics show that proper safety training can make a significant difference in preventing ladder-related injuries and fatalities. For example, a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that ladder-related injuries decreased by 35% after a comprehensive safety program was implemented.

OSHA Ladder Compliance and Safety Standards

To ensure you are complying with all governing safety standards, take a look at the following requirements. These also serve as common OSHA ladder inspection points.

• Ladder Load: Ensure that self-supporting and non-self-supporting ladders can support at least four times the maximum intended load, except for extra-heavy-duty metal or plastic ladders which must sustain 3.3 times the maximum intended load.
• Ladder Angle: Position non-self-supporting ladders at an angle where the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is about a fourth of the working length of the ladder.
• Ladder Rungs: Make sure ladder rungs, cleats, or steps are parallel, level, and uniformly spaced, with rungs spaced between 10 and 14 inches apart. Ensure that rungs cannot slide off and are skid-resistant.
• Slipping: Keep ladders free of slipping hazards like oil, grease, or wet paint.

Additional Ladder Safety Requirements

Here are a few more common safety checkpoints that all employers should keep in mind:

• For foldout or stepladders, ensure they have a metal spreader or locking device to keep the front and back sections in an open position during use.
• When using two or more ladders to reach a work area, ensure they are offset with a landing or platform between them.
• Keep the area around the top and bottom of the ladder clear.
• Do not tie or fasten ladders together to create longer sections, unless they are designed for such use.
• Never move or shift a ladder while a person or equipment is on the ladder.
• Ensure that all locking mechanisms on extension ladders are engaged properly.
• Only use ladders for their intended purpose and avoid using them for other tasks.

Key Elements of Ladder Safety Training

Employers have a responsibility to provide their employees with the necessary training to ensure their safety while working with ladders. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers must train their employees to recognize hazards associated with ladder use and follow safe ladder practices. Let’s take a look at the key elements that should be included in every ladder safety training.

• Ladder Selection: Choosing the right ladder is important to avoid accidents and injuries. Consider the type, length, and weight capacity of the ladder, and avoid using metal ladders near electrical hazards.
• Ladder Maintenance: Maintaining ladders in good working condition is crucial for safety. Inspect the ladder before each use, store it properly, and remove damaged ladders from service.
• Ladder Setup: Properly setting up the ladder is critical to safe ladder use. Users should receive specific training on ladder footing, top support, ladder angle, and accessing elevated work areas and landings.
• Climbing and Working on Ladders: The user's position and points of contact with the ladder are critical factors in ladder safety. Employers should ensure that ladder safety training covers these factors.
• Preventing Falls: Common factors that may cause falls include haste, sudden movement, lack of attention, improper footwear, and the user's physical condition. Employers should educate their employees on these factors to prevent ladder accidents.
• Portable Ladders: Certain uses of portable ladders are prohibited by Cal/OSHA regulations, such as climbing on cross bracing, exceeding maximum lengths, not meeting minimum overlap requirements, and using the ladder for any purpose other than what it was designed for.

Takeaways for Ladder Safety

Ladder safety is an essential part of workplace safety, and it is crucial that both employers and employees understand and implement proper ladder safety practices. OSHA has developed regulations to help prevent falls and injuries related to ladder use, and employers are required to provide ladder safety training to their employees.

Proper ladder selection, maintenance, and inspection, as well as safe ladder setup, climbing, and use, are all critical components of ladder safety. While ladder accidents can have serious consequences, the good news is that they are preventable. With proper training and adherence to ladder safety guidelines, employers and employees can work together to ensure a safe workplace.

It is important for employers to take ladder safety seriously and provide employees with the necessary tools and training to prevent accidents and injuries. By doing so, employers can protect their workers and avoid penalties from OSHA and other regulating bodies. For employees, proper ladder safety practices can mean the difference between a safe and productive workday, and a potentially life-altering injury. Ultimately, a commitment to ladder safety benefits everyone involved and promotes a culture of safety in the workplace.