LADDER HAZARDS
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Total Annual Injuries: Approximately 5,370 construction workers suffer nonfatal injuries from ladders annually.
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Total Annual Fatalities: Ladders were the primary source for 161 construction workplace fatalities in a single year, with nearly 15% of all occupational deaths attributed to ladder-related accidents.
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Leading Cause of Death: Falls from ladders are the #1 cause of death on construction sites, surpassing other types of elevation falls.
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Prevalence in Fall Injuries: For construction workers, an estimated 81% of fall injuries treated in emergency rooms involve a ladder.
ISSUES
Construction and construction-related tasks far exceed other occupations when it comes to ladder accident injuries. The top three are all related: maintenance, construction, and service.
SOURCES OF HAZARDS
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Carrying Items: Roughly 50% of ladder accidents occur because individuals were carrying items while climbing instead of maintaining three points of contact.
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Improper Setup: An incorrect extension ladder angle accounts for roughly 40% of all ladder injuries.
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Primary Injuries:
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Fractures: Occur in roughly 32%–36% of ladder fall cases.
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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Approximately 1 in 10 ladder injuries results in an intracranial injury such as a concussion.
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Spinal and Pelvic Injuries: Frequent results of falls from ladders, often leading to paralysis or long-term disability.
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REGULATIONS: LADDERS
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OSHA Standard Subpart X 1926.1051(a): A stairway or ladder shall be provided at all personnel points of access where there is a break in elevation of 19 inches (48 cm) or more, and no ramp, runway, sloped embankment, or personnel hoist is provided.
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OSHA Standard Subpart X 1926.1053(a)(1)(ii): Each portable ladder that is not self-supporting must sustain at least four times the maximum intended load (3.3 times for Type 1A extra-heavy-duty ladders).
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OSHA Standard Subpart X 1926.1053(a)(1)(iii): Each fixed ladder must support at least two loads of 250 pounds (114 kg) each between attachments. Each step or rung must support a concentrated load of at least 250 pounds.
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OSHA Standard Subpart X 1926.1053(b)(3): Ladders shall not be loaded beyond the maximum intended load or manufacturer’s rated capacity.
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OSHA Standard Subpart P 1926.651(d): Employees exposed to vehicular traffic must wear warning vests or other high-visibility garments.
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OSHA Standard Subpart X 1926.1053(b)(4): Ladders shall be used only for their intended purpose.
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OSHA Standard Subpart X 1926.1053(b)(8): Ladders placed in areas where they can be displaced must be secured or barricaded.
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OSHA Standard Subpart X 1926.1053(b)(9): The area around the top and bottom of ladders must be kept clear.
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OSHA Standard Subpart X 1926.1053(b)(13): The top or top step of a stepladder shall not be used as a step.
LADDER USE FACTS
Workers who use ladders in construction risk permanent injury, death from falls, and electrocutions. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and labels. Consider your weight plus the weight of your load, and do not exceed the ladder’s rated capacity.
PURPOSE
Know the risk and limitations of ladders.
BAD EXAMPLES
In 2020, there were 161 fatal work injuries where ladders were the primary source.
GOOD EXAMPLES & CHARTS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
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Ladders last. If you can establish a firm working surface without using a ladder (e.g., elevated work platform, scaffolding, or lifts), use them first.
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Never deviate from the intended use of a ladder; always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
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Ensure your combined weight does not exceed the ladder’s capacity.
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Use the right ladder height for the task. Keep your center of gravity low and follow the belt buckle rule (belt buckle should remain within the ladder’s parallels).
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Use a platform ladder whenever possible.
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Practice the one-to-one principle: For every foot up, remain one foot away from leading edges of working surfaces, roofs, or guardrail systems.
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Maintain required setbacks from electrical hazards.
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Common hazards: damaged ladders, slippery or unstable surfaces, unlocked ladder spreaders, standing on the top step or cap, overloading, high-traffic locations, reaching outside side rails, and proximity to electrical wiring/equipment.
IMPORTANT DO’S
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Examine the ladder for defects (cracked rungs, loose bolts, bent rails, slippery substances) and remove from service immediately if found.
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Maintain 3-point contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand).
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Always face the ladder when climbing up or down.
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Review operator credentials.
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Extend the top of extension ladders at least 3 feet above the landing; top must contact the surface.
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Check ladder angle using the 4-to-1 rule (1 foot out for every 4 feet up).
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Secure the area: lock doors and set up barriers in busy locations.
IMPORTANT DON’TS
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Don’t use unstable or damaged ladders.
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Don’t stand on the top steps (top two for A-frame, top three for extension ladders).
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Don’t carry tools while climbing; use a tool belt or rope to hoist items.
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Don’t overreach; keep your belt buckle within side rails.
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Don’t place ladders on unstable surfaces (boxes, barrels, soft ground).
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Don’t use stepladders as straight ladders.
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Don’t work alone; have a spotter.
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Don’t work in bad weather.
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Don’t move the ladder while on it.
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Don’t place ladders in front of doors unless secured.
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Don’t ignore power lines; use non-conductive ladders near electrical hazards.
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Don’t tie ladders together unless specifically designed for that purpose.
ALTERNATIVES TO LADDERS
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Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs): Provide stable platforms with built-in guardrails.
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Scaffolding and stationary platforms.
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Stair towers: Modular units replacing vertical ladders with wide, stable stairs and integrated landings, often used in industrial maintenance.
