March is National Ladder Safety Month, making it the perfect time to focus on proper ladder usage, OSHA requirements, and common mistakes that lead to workplace falls. No matter your worksite, ladders are a necessary tool—but they also pose significant risks if not used correctly. At Person Safety Solutions, we help businesses navigate OSHA compliance with real-world applications, ensuring that safety measures are not just theoretical but actionable.

Industry-Specific Risks & Real-World Incidents

Falls from ladders remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries, with OSHA citing over 20,000 ladder-related workplace injuries annually. Consider these common scenarios:

• Construction Sites: Improper extension ladder setup on uneven ground leads to collapses.
• Warehousing: Workers overreaching while stocking high shelves, causing balance loss.
• Facility Maintenance: Unsecured step ladders in high-traffic areas increase fall hazards.

OSHA’s Ladder Safety Regulations (29 CFR 1926.1053 & 1910.23)

To ensure compliance, OSHA requires that employers adhere to strict ladder safety regulations, including:

• Safe Ladder Selection: Using an ANSI-rated ladder that meets the task’s height and weight demands.
• Routine Inspections & Maintenance: Checking for cracks, loose rungs, and worn-out components before each use.
• Proper Placement & Use: Setting ladders at a 4:1 ratio, ensuring stable surfaces, and securing them as needed.
• Training & Hazard Communication: Employees must receive hands-on training on ladder selection, safe climbing techniques, and proper storage.

Best Practices for Preventing Falls

1. OSHA Portable Ladder Safety QuickCard™: This concise guide offers essential tips on ladder selection, inspection, and usage to prevent falls. ​osha.gov
2. OSHA’s “Falling Off Ladders Can Kill: Use Them Safely” Booklet: This comprehensive resource provides detailed information on safe ladder practices and common hazards. ​osha.gov
3. OSHA’s “Stairways and Ladders: A Guide to OSHA Rules”: This guide outlines OSHA’s requirements and recommendations for ladder safety in the workplace. ​osha.gov
4. OSHA’s “Safe Use of Extension Ladders” Fact Sheet: This fact sheet details proper setup, angle positioning, and usage of extension ladders to ensure safety. ​osha.gov
5. OSHA Standard 1910.23 – Ladders: This standard specifies the general requirements for ladder design, maintenance, and usage in various industries. ​osha.gov

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Ignoring ladder safety isn’t just dangerous—it’s costly. OSHA fines for ladder safety violations range from $16,131 per violation (serious) to $161,323 for willful or repeated violations. In 2023, one construction company was fined over $100,000 for failing to properly secure ladders, leading to multiple injuries.

How PSS Can Help

At Person Safety Solutions, we provide hands-on ladder safety training, compliance audits, and customized workplace safety programs to ensure your business meets OSHA standards.

Ensure your team is climbing safely—read our latest blog on ladder safety. Contact us at info@personsafety.com or visit personsafety.com to learn more about our workplace safety solutions.