Although using a ladder might seem simple enough, it is a sad fact that falls from ladders are one of the leading causes of occupational injuries.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission ladder injuries account for more than 164,000 emergency room-treated injuries every year in the US. Furthermore, the CDC reports that
… the working men and women in America abuse and misuse ladders in the workplace as a rule rather than an exception.
Most ladder accidents, and the resulting pain and costs, are easily avoidable. Under the provisions of 29 CFR 1926, OSHA requires employers to provide a training program for employees who must use ladders on the job.
The training must enable each employee to recognize hazards related to ladders and must be conducted by a competent person as per 29 CFR 1926.
Here are some resources providing safety guidelines and tips for working safely with ladders.
Stay on That Ladder! (CDC National Ac Safety Database)
Portable Ladder Safety (CDC National Ac Safety Database)
Portable Ladder Safety Tips (OSHA quick card)
A rather comphehensive list of ladder safety links may be found here (OSU Environmental Health & Safety)
Ladder Safety related programs we offer:
Ladder Safety Training
Ladder Safety Video Program DVD – English & Spanish
Ladder Safety CD-ROM Training Program