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Whether you're climbing onto the roof of your home or reaching for a product in your warehouse, ladder safety matters. Choosing the right ladder and following basic ladder safety techniques can help make the difference between productivity and potentially preventable accidents and falls.
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Learn About the Statistics
Two of the most common ladder accidents* — contributing to over 100 ladder injuries per day and about 300 deaths per year** — include:
Overreaching
Missing the Last Step When Climbing Down
Not surprisingly, poor workplace safety programs can cost companies upwards of $24 billion on falls related to working at heights. While accidents and injuries can certainly happen, ladder safety awareness and ladder safety training can help make these incidents less likely when practiced and enforced regularly.
+500K
Each year in the US more than 500,000 people are treated from ladder-related injuries**
6-10 FT.
The most common ladder falls happen between 6 and 10 feet off the ground
$24 B
$24 billion is spent on workplace falls from working at heights**
TOP3
Falls are the 3rd most common cause for disabling workplace injuries***
#3
Ladders are #3 on OSHA's Top 10 Most Cited Violations List****
* "ALI Ladder Safety Training and Citation Report" - United States, 2018, American Ladder Institute
** "It’s National Ladder Safety Month" – United States, 2017, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
*** "2021 Workplace Safety Index: the top 10 causes of disabling injuries" – United States, 2018, Liberty Mutual
**** "Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards" – United States, 2021, Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Remember the Basics
Climbing up or climbing down, the underlying message is still the same: every step counts. Build a solid foundation of knowledge by identifying, understanding, and practicing basic ladder safety tips.
Length
A ladder is deemed unsafe when it is too long or too short for the job at hand. Whether it’s a safety ladder or a standard ladder for climbing - make sure the length is sufficient enough to avoid standing on the top rung or step of the ladder.
Capacity
Pay close attention to the ladder’s Duty Rating ― it should exceed the total weight of the climber, plus any tools, supplies, and objects placed upon its rungs or steps. Ignoring this rule can turn any safety ladder into a ladder accident.
Style
There are many types of ladders. Step ladders have a self-supporting, hinged design that’s ideal for small projects at fixed heights. Extension ladders are adjustable and require a stable structure of support to lean on.
Environment
A rocky or unstable ladder spells trouble. Make sure it is placed on firm, level ground, without any obstructions or slippery surfaces near or around the base of the ladder. Wear slip-resistant shoes with heavy soles for added traction and support.
Health
Both climber health and ladder health go hand in hand. Avoid using a ladder when feeling dizzy or otherwise under the weather. Likewise, avoid climbing a ladder that is worn down, sways or leans to one side, or has loose or missing parts.
Points of Contact
Climbing up or down a ladder is safest when utilizing three points of contact. This means facing the ladder and having two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, in contact with the ladder’s steps, rungs, and/or side rails at all times. This ladder safety tip can help reduce the risk of slips and falls.
Utilize These Resources for Safety
Every March, the American Ladder Institute holds its annual National Ladder Safety Month to encourage both homeowners and employees to become familiar with ladder safety in an effort to reduce ladder-related injuries and fatalities each year. But ladder safety isn’t just a one-time-only initiative. There are a number of resources you can turn to all year long for tips, checklists, training, and more. Do Your Part
American Ladder Institute (ALI)
ALI is a not-for-profit organization with one mission: to promote the safe use of ladders at home and in the workplace. ALI is also the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved developer of safety standards for the ladder industry, offering training, events, and education year-round. Learn More
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA ranks ladders as one of the Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Violations. They’ve published several fact sheets and informational booklets to help raise awareness on ladder safety, focusing on three simple guidelines to prevent falls on the job: plan, provide, and train. Learn More