Ladders are essential tools, yet more workers are injured in falls from ladders than from any other elevated surface – roofs, scaffolds, balconies, even stairs. Most falls happen because workers select the wrong type of ladder for their job, or they set up the ladder improperly and the ladder shifts or slips unexpectedly.
Summary of annual incidents involving ladders:
- 161 workplace fatalities from ladders
- 22,710 workplace injuries from ladders
- 5,790 ladder injuries in installation, maintenance, and repair jobs
- 5,370 ladder injuries in construction and extraction jobs
- 3,160 ladder injuries in service jobs
Workers who experience higher ladder fall injury rates include:
- Male
- Hispanic
- Older
- Self-employed
Industries that experience higher ladder fall injury rates include:
- Construction
- Maintenance
- Repair
- Small businesses
Ladder Safety Awareness: What You Need to Know
Not all ladder injuries happen at work. Many ladder injuries happen at home. Using a ladder puts you at risk for a ladder-related fall injury.
What Causes Ladder Falls & Injuries?
Ladder fall injuries are a persistent hazard both in the workplace and at home. There are five major causes of ladder fall incidents:
1. Incorrect extension ladder set up angle
In about 40% of cases, the cause of the ladder-related injury is a ladder sliding out at the base from an incorrect set up angle.
Set up extension ladders at about a 75-degree angle.
2. Inappropriate ladder selection
Selection of a ladder with the proper size and duty-rating is important to avoid instability and structural failure. However, many ladder users lack knowledge of proper ladder selection.
3. Insufficient ladder inspection
Practice regular inspection and maintenance to reduce the likelihood of ladder structural failure.
4. Improper ladder use
Examples of improper ladder use include:
- Overreaching while on the ladder
- Carrying objects while going up or down the ladder
- Applying excessive force while on the ladder
5. Lack of access to ladder safety tools and information
Small companies and individual ladder users do not typically receive training for safe use of portable ladders. These ladder users are difficult to reach, often do not have access to safety information, and lack the resources to develop or follow an effective ladder safety program.
Portable ladders are often the first tool we choose when working at elevation.
This approach is known as “Ladders First.” Before choosing a portable ladder, consider a “Ladders Last” approach when other, often safer options, such as scaffolds, aerial lifts, or mobile ladder stands, are available.
Portable ladders are typically commercially manufactured and constructed to meet the voluntary American National Standard for Ladders known as ANSI-ASC A14.
There are four types of ladders:
- Portable ladders
- Fixed ladders
- Mobile ladder stands and platforms
- Job-made ladders
A portable ladder is a ladder that can readily be moved or carried, with side rails joined at predetermined intervals by steps, rungs, cleats, or rear braces. When carefully selected, erected, and used, portable ladders temporarily provide one of the following:
- A passageway to other surface levels
- A means of support while performing elevated work
Portable ladders are typically commercially manufactured and constructed to meet the voluntary American National Standard for Ladders known as ANSI-ASC A14.
Fixed ladders are permanently attached to buildings, equipment, or structures and cannot be readily moved or carried.
Mobile ladder stands are movable, non-height adjustable, self-supporting ladders, which look like stairs mounted on wheels.
Job-made ladders are typically fabricated at construction worksites and are not commercially manufactured.
Choosing the Right Portable Ladder for Safety
Which portable ladder is the right one for you? When considering portable ladders, think of each as a candidate applying for your specific job. Some will be qualified to take you where you need to go, while others will not make the cut. One ladder may not be suitable for all your elevated work needs.
Key considerations when selecting portable ladders include:
- Supporting characteristics
- Target work zone
- Footprint
- Setup area
- Design style
- Material
- Working load
- Size
It is important to understand that each of these considerations, to a large degree, is interconnected.
Consider: Target work zone
Where is the work? When your elevation is different than where you need to work, you need to change your elevation to get to the target work zone. Think of the target work zone as your destination, and the portable ladder as your tool to get you there. Target work zones may be indoors or outdoors, and they are often large and complex, such as painting a multistory home.
Large target work zones should always be further evaluated and subdivided into smaller, manageable target work zones to prevent dangerous overreaching when working from a ladder. Target work zones may be so large or complex that simply moving the ladder will not be enough; you need to change ladder styles or sizes to safely complete the elevated work.
Understanding the location, dimensions, and unique complexities of your target work zone will help you select the best portable ladder for the job.
Consider: Setup area
Will it be safe when erected? Before a portable ladder is erected, you must ensure a sound foundation is available to support the ladder and the ladder’s surroundings will be free from hazards. The setup area requires an evaluation of the physical environment below, around, and above. To prevent dangerous overreaching when working from a ladder, locate setup areas immediately below or slightly to the side of the target work zone. The conditions of the setup area may limit which ladder style you can select, if any at all.
Self-inspection checklist Portable ladders
- Are all ladders in good condition, joints between steps and side rails tight, all hardware and fittings securely attached, and moveable parts operating freely without binding or undue play?
- Are there non-slip safety feet on all ladders except step ladders?
- Are ladder rungs and steps free of grease and oil?
- Are employees prohibited from placing a ladder in front of doors opening toward the ladder except when the door is blocked open, locked, or guarded?
- Are employees prohibited from placing ladders on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases?
- Are employees instructed to face the ladder when ascending and descending?
- Are employees prohibited from using ladders that are broken, missing steps, rungs, cleats, broken side rails, or other faulty parts?
- Are employees instructed not to use the top step of ordinary stepladders as a step?
- When portable rung ladders are used to gain access to elevated platforms, roofs, and the like, does the ladder always extend at least three feet above the elevated surface?
- Do you require the users of portable rung or cleat-type ladders to place the base so that slipping will not occur or to lash or otherwise hold the ladder in place?
- Do portable metal ladders have legible signs reading “CAUTION — Do Not Use Around Electrical Equipment” or equivalent wording?
- Are the rungs of ladders uniformly spaced at 12 inches, center to center?
For additional information, download the NIOSH Ladder Safety App. Free from your store.
Use the Ladder Safety App
The Ladder Safety App is designed to improve extension and step ladder safety and prevent ladder-related injuries.