Ladder Hazards:
- Total Annual Injuries: Approximately 5,370 construction workers suffer nonfatal injuries from ladders annually.
- 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.
- Leading Cause of Death: Falls from ladders are the #1 cause of death on construction sites, surpassing other types of elevation falls.
- 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 & service).
Sources of Hazards:
- Carrying Items: Roughly 50% of ladder accidents occur because individuals carry items while climbing instead of maintaining three points of contact.
- Improper Setup: An incorrect extension ladder angle accounts for roughly 40% of all ladder injuries.
Primary Injuries:
a. Fractures: Occur in roughly 32%–36% of ladder fall cases.
b. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Approximately 1 in 10 ladder injuries results in an intracranial injury such as a concussion.
c. Spinal and Pelvic Injuries: Frequent results of falls from ladders, often leading to paralysis or long-term disability.
Regulations: Ladders
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.
OSHA Standard Subpart X 1926.1053(a)(1)(ii): Each portable ladder that is not self-supporting shall support at least four times the maximum intended load (3.3 times for extra-heavy-duty Type 1A ladders). Testing shall be at a 75½-degree angle from horizontal.
OSHA Standard Subpart X 1926.1053(a)(1)(iii): Each fixed ladder shall support at least two loads of 250 pounds each between attachments, plus additional anticipated loads such as ice, wind, rigging, and impact. Each step or rung shall support at least 250 pounds applied in the middle.
OSHA Standard Subpart X 1926.1053(b)(3): Ladders shall not be loaded beyond their rated capacity.
OSHA Standard Subpart P 1926.651(d): Employees exposed to vehicular traffic shall wear warning vests or high-visibility reflectorized garments.
OSHA Standard Subpart X 1926.1053(b)(4): Ladders shall be used only for their intended purpose.
OSHA Standard Subpart X 1926.1053(b)(8): Ladders in areas where they may be displaced shall be secured or barricaded.
OSHA Standard Subpart X 1926.1053(b)(9): The area around the top and bottom of ladders shall be kept clear.
OSHA Standard Subpart X 1926.1053(b)(13): The top step of a stepladder shall not be used as a step.
Ladder Use Facts:
Workers using ladders in construction risk permanent injury, death from falls, and electrocutions. Always follow manufacturer instructions and load ratings, including all tools and materials.
Purpose: Know the Risk and Limitations of Ladders.
In 2020, there were 161 fatal work injuries where ladders were the primary source. (Web, April 25, 2022)
What You Need to Know:
- Ladders are last. Use elevated work platforms, scaffolding, or lifts when possible.
- Never deviate from intended ladder use or manufacturer instructions.
- Do not exceed ladder capacity, including body weight and all tools/materials.
- Use correct ladder height and maintain center of gravity within rails (belt buckle rule).
- Use platform ladders whenever possible.
- Follow the one-to-one rule (1 foot out for every 1 foot up).
- Maintain required setbacks from electrical hazards.
Common Ladder Hazards:
• Damaged ladders
• Slippery or unstable surfaces
• Unlocked spreaders
• Standing on top step or cap
• Overloading
• High-traffic placement
• Overreaching
• Proximity to electrical hazards
Important Do’s:
- Inspect ladders for defects; tag and remove if damaged.
- Maintain 3-point contact at all times.
- Face ladder while climbing.
- Ensure proper training/credentials are reviewed.
- Extend ladder at least 3 feet above landing.
- Use the 4-to-1 setup rule for extension ladders.
- Secure work area with barriers if needed.
Important Don’ts:
- Do not use damaged or unstable ladders.
- Do not stand on top two steps of A-frame ladders or top three rungs of extension ladders.
- Do not carry items while climbing; use hoisting or tool belts.
- Do not overreach outside rails.
- Do not place ladders on unstable surfaces.
- Do not use stepladders as straight ladders.
- Do not work alone on ladders.
- Do not work in bad weather or slippery conditions.
- Do not move a ladder while occupied.
- Do not place ladders in front of unsecured doors.
- Do not use conductive ladders near electrical hazards.
- Do not tie ladders together unless designed for it.
Alternatives to Ladders:
- MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms) – highest level of protection with guardrails and stable platforms.
- Scaffolding and stationary platforms.
- Stair towers – modular systems with stairs and landings replacing vertical ladders.
