Ladders are among the most common tools on any construction site — simple, portable, and indispensable for accessing areas that would otherwise be difficult or dangerous to reach. But their familiarity can breed complacency.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ladder falls are a leading cause of fatal injuries in construction. The good news: jobsite safety data consistently shows that most ladder accidents are preventable through safety planning, proper training, careful setup, and sound on-the-spot judgment.
March is Ladder Safety Month — and that makes it the perfect time to sharpen your knowledge and share these free ladder safety resources with your crew.
HB NEXT Microlearning Library Course on Ladder Safety
A great place to start is the HB NEXT micro-learning course on Ladder Safety:
This is one of over 250 short, mobile-friendly safety training videos in English and Spanish that HB NEXT delivers via Sequence XT software to its construction and industrial safety customers.
American Ladder Institute: Sponsor of Ladder Safety Month
The American Ladder Institute (ALI) partners with manufacturers, industry groups, and labor organizations to advance ladder safety training and product standards. This year’s Ladder Safety Month covers topics including how to choose the right ladder for the job, pre-climb inspection checks, and safe stepstools use — foundational knowledge every worker and supervisor should revisit regularly.
OSHA Ladder Safety Resources
OSHA’s regulatory requirements for ladders are codified in 1926.1053 – Ladders. Beyond the standard itself, OSHA offers several practical, free ladder safety resources in English and Spanish:
- OSHA Fact Sheet: Reducing Falls in Construction: Safe use of Stepladders
- OSHA Ladder Publications (Full Library)
Ladder Safety Is a Year-Round Commitment
March is Ladder Safety Month, but the habits it promotes belong on every jobsite, every day. Before you set up a ladder — and before anyone climbs it — make sure your team has the training, the tools, and the mindset to do it right.