March is National Ladder Safety Month
Falls from ladders are preventable, yet they account for more than 100 deaths and thousands of injuries each year. The American Ladder Institute (ALI) recognizes March as National Ladder Safety Month, designed to raise awareness of ladder safety and to decrease the number of ladder-related injuries and fatalities.
How much ladder accidents cost
Falls are in the top three most disabling workplace injuries. Falls to a lower level result in $5.68 billion in direct costs, according to the 2024 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index. And ladders consistently rank on OSHA’s top 10 most cited violations list.
ALI believes ladder accidents are preventable. But without better safety planning, training and continuous innovation in product design, we will continue to see far too many fatalities.
National Ladder Safety Month goals include:
- Increase the number of ladder training certificates issued by ALI
- Decrease ladder-related injuries and fatalities
- Lower the rankings of ladder-related citations on OSHA’s yearly “Top 10 Citations List”
- Increase the number of competent ladder inspector training sessions
- Increase the number of companies and individuals that inspect and properly dispose of old, damaged or obsolete ladders
Ladder safety will also be an important component of OSHA’s annual National Safety Stand-Down in May.
Have you tried the NIOSH ladder safety app that includes straight and step ladders?
National Ladder Safety Month 2025 themes:
- Week One: Training and Awareness
- Week Two: Inspection and Maintenance
- Week Three: Stabilization, Setup, and Accessories
- Week Four: Safe Climbing and Positioning
Key elements of ladder safety:
Ladder and Scaffold Tags
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What is a ladder weight rating?
A ladder’s weight rating is the combined weight of the climber and whatever the climber is carrying. Do not forget to account for equipment or accessories when selecting a ladder with the proper weight rating.
A taller ladder does NOT equate to a higher weight rating
To ensure you are using the right ladder for the job, check the Duty Rating of your ladder. The Duty Rating is the total amount of weight your ladder will support: Your weight plus the weight of your clothing and protective equipment plus the weight of tools and supplies you are using.
Ladder and fall safety applies at any height
More often than not, ladder injuries are caused by people using them incorrectly. An American Ladder Institute survey found 3 of 4 participants felt ladder accidents in their workplace could have been avoided with training.
Ladder inspections matter!
A ladder that was safe to use this morning could be unsafe this afternoon. Always inspect ladders for any damage or wear before use. Look for cracks, bends, and other signs of damage. Ensure every ladder is inspected regularly with easy-to-read ladder inspection labels and ladder inspection tags.
Here’s how you can get involved and help improve safety
at your workplace:
- Learn more and sign up for Ladder Safety Month materials.
- View free ladder safety training modules.
- Plan for the National Safety Stand-down in May.
- Review OSHA Standard 1926.1053 on stairways and ladders.
- This study of workplace ladder falls offers insights.
- Browse ladder and scaffold safety signs and labels.