Ladder Group Preps First-Ever Ladder Safety Month

Climbing up a ladder naturally comes with a degree of risk—you’re going up to a high place, and there’s always a chance you might fall.

And lots of people do—in fact, more than 300 people die each year in ladder-related accidents.

The American Ladder Institute—the association that represents ladder makers— understands the risks and is going to draw extra attention to them next month, as it puts on its first National Ladder Safety Month  (opens in a new tab).

“Without better training and continuous innovation in safety, planning, and product design, we will continue to see far too many fatalities,” ALI President Ryan Moss said in a news release  (opens in a new tab). “National Ladder Safety Month will heighten awareness, reinforce safety training, and educate homeowners and working professionals. The American Ladder Institute is calling upon all individuals and organizations throughout the nation to promote and to participate in ladder safety.”

The event, which will take place throughout March, will touch on different aspects of ladder safety during the month, including ladder use at work and at home. During the last week of  March, ALI plans on speaking out about the need for ladder inspection, and if necessary, disposal.

The group is also planning to use the month to draw attention to its free ladder safety training courses  (opens in a new tab).

Around 20 organizations have pledged their formal support for the event, including major sellers like Amazon and Home Depot, manufacturers like Owens Corning, and even the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

The increased attention on ladder safety issues could also benefit the public: This week, ALI released research  (opens in a new tab) that found that three-quarters of workplace ladder incidents could be avoided with proper training.

(Huntstock/Thinkstock)