by Barry Maxwell, MS
Safety Services Manager
March is National Ladder Safety Month, which began in 2017. The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that more than 500,000 people are treated (over 1,300 per day) and about 300 people die from ladder-related injuries every year in the United States. The estimated annual cost of ladder injuries in the U.S. is $24 billion, including work loss, medical, legal, liability, and pain and suffering expenses. Government tracking systems show a higher rate of falls from ladders amongst older, self-employed males working in smaller establishments and employed in construction, maintenance, and repair. However, anyone can be injured or killed when they misuse a ladder. It is evident that ladder-related falls are a serious problem and there is a need to reduce the resulting injury and death.
The goals of National Ladder Safety Month observance, sponsored by the American Ladder Institute, are to heighten awareness, reinforce safety training, and educate homeowners and workers. Employers should have a written ladder safety program, which addresses selection, training, inspections, and proper use. All workers who use a ladder must be trained in the hazards related to ladder usage and how to properly use the ladders at their place of employment.
EI’s safety professionals stand ready to keep your workplace safe and assist you in meeting regulatory requirements. For more information, or assistance with your ladder safety program, please contact me at (919) 280-8797 or bmaxwell@ei1.com.