Safety
The Insulator • June 2026 
20
Dedicated to keeping its members at the forefront in their industry
L
adders are common, useful tools 
in many workplaces, including 
construction sites, warehouses, 
offices, retail spaces and 
maintenance environments. While ladders 
may seem simple and harmless, they 
are involved in many workplace injuries 
every year. Falls from ladders can result 
in serious injuries such as fractures, 
head injuries and even fatalities. So, it 
is important to practice proper ladder 
safety which is essential for creating a 
safe work environment and preventing 
avoidable accidents. OSHA has Standards 
on ladder safety for General Industry (29 
CFR 1910.23) and Construction (29 CFR 
1926.1053).
Common Causes of 
Ladder Accidents
Many ladder-related injuries occur due 
to improper use. Common causes from 
improper use include using the wrong type 
of ladder for the task, placing ladders on 
unstable surfaces, climbing while carrying 
tools, overreaching and failing to maintain 
three points of contact. Additionally, lack of 
training and rushing to complete tasks also 
increase the risk of falls. Employers should 
take the time to train employees on these 
actions and how they can cause injuries.
LADDERS IN THE WORKPLACE
By Andy Swan

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