Every year, more than half a million people are treated in the United States for ladder injuries, says the CDC, and some 300 people die. Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, according to OSHA, with more than a third of those falls involving ladders each year. Yet, ladders aren’t just a concern for construction workers—they're a common staple in household garages and workplaces across various industries.
March is National Ladder Safety Month—a perfect time to take a closer look at the causes of ladder-related injuries and how to prevent them.
First, let’s differentiate between the two main types of ladders. A regular ladder, often called a step ladder, is a self-supporting, fixed-length ladder with built-in steps–the kind most people keep on hand at home and in office settings. In contrast, an extension ladder is a non-self-supporting, adjustable ladder that consists of two or more sections that slide apart to extend its reach, making it ideal for higher elevations like rooftops and tall structures.
Extension ladder injuries most often occur when the base slides out from an incorrect set up angle. Extension ladders should be positioned at about a 75 degree angle. When in doubt, follow the Ladder Rule of Four. “The base of a straight ladder should be one foot away from a wall or other vertical surface for every four feet of height to the point of support, or at a four-to-one ratio,” advises the CDC.
When setting up any ladder, ensure nonslip base cushions are in place, and position the ladder on a level surface. If the work is being done in a high traffic area, such as a sidewalk, erect a barricade around the ladder. If it’s inside, make sure any doors that interfere with the ladder’s position are locked.
Inappropriate ladder selection is another leading cause of injury. Ladders have a duty rating, also known as a load capacity, and these range from light duty with a capacity of 200 pounds–suitable for most household uses–to special duty, equipped for more than 375 pounds. So, if you’ve got a 275 pound man lugging his toolbox up to the top of a light or medium duty ladder, it might be a good idea to have OCC on speed dial. Always make sure the individual’s weight and the additional load of tools and equipment fall well under the duty rating of the ladder.
Then there’s the most obvious and common error in ladder usage: improper ladder use. Whether it’s ignoring the warning label on the very top and using it as an additional step, or carrying heavy objects up and down the ladder (as opposed to having a helper in place), it’s easy to see how one false move can land a person–or 500,000 of them each year–in the hospital.
As far as safe climbing goes, the rule of thumb is to maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times: either two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot. And, again, avoid overreaching. Instead, take the time to safely climb down and reposition the ladder.
Finally, be sure to visually inspect the ladder prior to usage for missing bolts, damaged treads and other indications that it’s not structurally sound. And always be sure the ladder is fully extended and locked into place prior to climbing.
It should come as no surprise that ladder safety violations are at the top of OSHA’s list of most frequently cited standards. The good news is that they’re all pretty much avoidable with a little common sense, and a bit of office safety protocol in place.
For more information on ladder safety, webinars, standards and regulations, please visit the American Ladder Institute website.
