Three Resources to Promote Ladder Safety

March 11, 2019

March is National Ladder Safety Month – a time to implement and reinforce safety efforts with the goal of eliminating ladder-related injuries and fatalities. Falls are the second most deadly cause of workplace death, and improper use of ladders is a significant factor. In fact, ladder-related citations are common on OSHA’s annual list of top 10 most cited violations.

Consider these resources to encourage ladder safety throughout the workplace:

Ladder Safety Training Library

This free safety training tool from the American Ladder Institute is designed to aid in proper selection, care and safe use of all ladders. It includes online safety training modules, safe ladder video demonstrations and safety tests for various ladder types and applications (e.g., construction, building and custodial services, manufacturing and more).

OSHA Quick Card – Portable Ladder Safety

This printable 4-inch by 9-inch card includes portable ladder safety basics, including reminders about ladder inspection and setup, three-point contact, proper footwear and more.

Ladder Safety Month Checklist

Found on laddersafetymonth.com, this checklist from the American Ladder Institute could be a helpful reminder posted at employee job sites or in common areas. It offers tips about ladder dynamics and safe surroundings, but it also emphasizes user behavior with questions like, “Are the soles of your shoes clean? Did you remember a tow line or tool belt? Are you tired or dizzy?”

To learn more about ladder safety and National Ladder Safety Month, visit www.laddersafetymonth.com.

For more workplace safety resources, visit Accident Fund’s Loss Control Toolbox and search “ladder” for additional information on this topic.