Each year, more than 22,000 people across the U.S. are injured while using ladders. In 2020, 161 people suffered a fatal injury from a ladder-related fall, and approximately 65% of those ladder fatalities came from movable ladders, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
National Ladder Safety Month is observed every March. This was spearheaded by the American Ladder Institute and is designed to raise awareness of ladder safety and decrease the number of ladder-related injuries and fatalities.
Key employer responsibilities
When it comes to creating and maintaining a safe workplace, there are guidelines and standards to follow. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) law, employers have a responsibility to provide a safe workplace. Here are some key employer responsibilities:
- Understand the safety rules that apply to your business (consider state, local and industry requirements as well).
- Consider developing a safety plan and/or forming a safety committee.
- Analyze your workplace and eliminate or control recognized hazards.
- Provide employees with safety training.
- Investigate all safety-related incidents, including near misses.
Workplace hazards can lead to hefty fines, result in missed workdays for employees, and lead to higher workers’ compensation costs.
Safe ladder usage can be a life-saving practice for both individuals and organizations, ensuring the safety of you, your family, and your colleagues. Check here for some ladder safety tips, exams, and physical certifications.
How MedPhysicals Plus can help
MedPhysicals Plus offers pre-employment and DOT physicals, where we assess:
- If a potential employee or employee can climb up and down ladders at the height specified for the job
- If an employee can do this with their protective gear on
- If a potential employee or employee understands ladder safety and use, such as how to properly set up a ladder, how to maintain three points of contact while climbing, and how to secure the ladder to prevent it from slipping or tipping
Additionally, MPP also has Physical ability tests (PAT), which are pre-employment preventative tests for those who do not need DOT or CDL physicals. The top industries in construction, public safety, and emergency services, as well as the manufacturing and warehouse sectors, often require workers to perform a variety of physical tasks on a daily basis. Check here for a complete guide for employers on pre-employment physicals.
Don’t take risks on your employees’ well-being. Contact us today.