Every year, ladder-related injuries cost U.S. workplaces an estimated $24 billion, a staggering sum that includes medical bills, legal fees, lost productivity, and the human toll of pain and suffering. March is National Ladder Safety Month, making it the perfect time to look beyond equipment checks and training sessions and ask a critical question: is the person climbing the ladder physically prepared to do so safely?
While ladders themselves are often inspected, the workers using them are not always evaluated with the same care. Strength, balance, coordination, and overall health all play a role in preventing falls. At MedPhysicals Plus, we help employers identify physical or medical limitations that could put workers at risk. Two important tools in this effort are DOT physicals and physical abilities testing.
Why Worker Fitness Matters for Ladder Safety
Using a ladder requires more than following safety instructions. Workers need strength, coordination, balance, clear vision, and awareness of their surroundings. Health conditions that affect these areas can increase the risk of a fall, even for experienced employees. In some cases, a worker may not even realize they have a limitation until it affects their performance.
For employers, identifying those risks early can prevent accidents and support a safer jobsite. That is where DOT physicals and physical abilities testing play an important role.
What DOT Physicals Reveal About Ladder Safety Risks
For commercial drivers and other safety-sensitive positions, DOT physicals are required to ensure workers meet basic health and medical standards. These exams evaluate key areas like vision, hearing, blood pressure, cardiovascular health, and the effects of medications. While the focus is often on driving, many of these same health factors influence a worker’s ability to safely use a ladder.
For example, issues with balance, fatigue, or delayed reaction time can affect a worker’s coordination while working at heights. Identifying these concerns through a DOT physical helps reduce the likelihood of injuries both on and off the road.
How Physical Abilities Testing Matches Workers to Job Demands
Physical abilities testing evaluates whether a worker can safely perform the specific physical tasks required for their job. Unlike a general physical exam, this type of testing is job-specific. It may include tasks like lifting, climbing, bending, or maintaining balance while carrying weight—activities commonly associated with ladder use.
These tests help match a worker’s physical capabilities to the actual demands of the role. If a limitation is found, adjustments can be made to prevent overexertion, falls, or long-term injuries. This is especially helpful for new hires, employees returning from leave, or anyone in a physically demanding role.
Steps Employers Can Take to Prevent Ladder Injuries
Preventing ladder-related injuries requires more than proper equipment and safety training. Understanding the physical health and capabilities of employees is a key part of any injury prevention strategy. DOT physicals and physical abilities testing offer a reliable way to assess those factors before problems arise.
During National Ladder Safety Month, employers can take the opportunity to review how physical readiness is being addressed in their safety programs. Ensuring that employees are medically and physically prepared to perform their work can lead to fewer injuries, lower costs, and a stronger culture of safety.
At MedPhysicals Plus, we specialize in helping employers protect their teams through comprehensive DOT physicals and job-specific physical abilities testing. From ensuring regulatory compliance to evaluating real-world fitness for physically demanding roles, our services are designed to prevent injuries before they happen.
With convenient locations in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Wasilla, we make it easy to access the exams and evaluations your workforce needs to stay safe and productive. Small steps in prevention can make a big difference in protecting workers on the job.