- Falls are the leading cause of death in construction, and every year falls from ladders make up nearly a third of those deaths.
- Nearly one quarter of nonfatal falls in construction are related to ladder use.
Is a ladder the correct tool? OSHA advises, if you can answer “yes” to one of these questions, you should consider using something other than a standard ladder–a platform stepladder or a scissor lift.
- Will I have to hold heavy items while on the ladder?
- Is the elevated area high enough that it would require a long ladder that can be unstable?
- Will I be working from this height for a long time?
- Do I have to stand on the ladder sideways in order to do this work?
Ladder safety training and awareness is an important part of Tri-State/Service Group’s comprehensive safety program, “Working. Safe.” Our goal: zero injuries and zero illnesses. Read more about preventing falls from step ladders and extension ladders.