National Ladder Safety Month

National Ladder Safety Month is observed annually in March. It is a dedicated campaign to raise awareness about ladder safety and reduce the number of ladder-related injuries and fatalities.

What is the Purpose?

The movement was founded by the American Ladder Institute (ALI), a non-profit trade association, with the goals to:

• Raise awareness of ladder safety.
• Decrease injuries and fatalities caused by ladder misuse.
  • Around 300 people die from ladder-related injuries each year in the U.S., with one work-related ladder fall fatality occurring roughly every two days.
  • An estimated 500,000 people are treated for ladder-related injuries annually.
• Increase the number of people certified in Ladder Safety Training.
• Promote safe ladder use both at home and at work.

Core Safety Tips

During National Ladder Safety Month, organizations emphasize essential safety practices. Here are some key tips:

• Choose the Right Ladder (Week 1): Ensure the ladder is the correct type and has the proper duty rating for the job.
• Inspect Before You Climb (Week 2): Check for damage like cracked steps, loose hardware, or worn feet. If damaged, remove the ladder from service.
• Set Up Safety (Week 3):
  • Place the ladder on a stable and level surface.
  • For extension or straight ladders, use the 4-to-1 rule: for every 4 feet of working height, the base should be 1 foot away from the wall (a 75-degree angle).
  • Secure the ladder to prevent displacement, especially near traffic.
  • Ensure all locks on extension ladders are properly engaged, and that step ladders are fully open and locked.
• Climb Safely, Work Safely (Week 4):
  • Always maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) while climbing up or down.
  • Face the ladder while climbing.
  • Keep your body centered between the side rails; do not overreach or lean out.
  • Never stand on the top step/cap of a stepladder or the top three rungs of a single/extension ladder.
• Be Aware of Surroundings: Look for overhead power lines and avoid using metal ladders near electricity.

Resources for Involvement

The ALI provides numerous free resources to support the campaign, including:

• Printable safety checklists, flyers, and posters.
• Webinars and social media engagement using the hashtag #LadderSafetyMonth.

National Ladder Safety Month is a vital, annual campaign dedicated to reducing thousands of preventable injuries and hundreds of fatalities caused by ladder misuse. By focusing on four key pillars – Choosing, Inspecting, Setting Up, and Climbing Safely – the campaign ensures that safety becomes the standard, not the exception, both at home and on the job site. The safety practices promoted during this month are essential year-round.