Ensuring Ladder Safety through Proper Inspection and Disposal

Ensuring Ladder Safety through Proper Inspection and Disposal

The American Ladder Institute seeks to decrease workplace injuries and deaths caused by ladder accidents and dedicates the month of March each year to promoting ladder safety during National Ladder Safety Month. During March 22-28, ALI devotes the week to sharing tips and resources to promote proper ladder inspection and disposal.

Inspect your ladder before use.

Are you taking the time to properly inspect your ladders before starting to work? Inspecting ladders is one of the key ways to reduce on-site injuries. Make sure you are inspecting:

• Rails
• Connections and fasteners
• Rungs
• Locks and pulleys
• Safety shoes
• Ropes

If you find any part of your ladder does not meet safety standards, do not use it. If it cannot be repaired, make sure to follow the proper steps for ladder disposal.

If your ladder is not safe to use, properly dispose of it.

Did you know that if you improperly dispose of a ladder and someone else uses it, you could be held liable if they are insured? You should never just toss a damaged ladder in the garbage or place it on the curb. The key thing to remember when disposing of a ladder is that it should be impossible for someone else to use it after you dispose of it. This means cutting it vertically down the middle of the rungs instead of cutting it in half horizontally.

National Ladder Safety Month

Access free resources on the National Ladder Safety Month website, like flyers, videos, infographics and more. Hang them up at the office or the jobsite to remind coworkers about ladder safety.

Stay connected on social media channels by searching @LadderSafetyMonth and @AmericanLadder so ladder safety is top of mind year-round!

For more ladder safety tips, visit American Ladder Institute’s website. Safe climbing!

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