Ladder Safety for Municipalities Stats and Facts

FACTS

Ladder hazards that municipalities should be aware of:

  1. Falls: Falls from ladders can result in serious injuries or even death. Workers can fall off the ladder due to instability, improper ladder placement, or user error. Municipalities should ensure that workers are properly trained on ladder safety and that ladders are properly maintained and inspected before each use.
  2. Electrocution: Workers using ladders near power lines or other electrical hazards can be at risk of electrocution. Municipalities should ensure that workers are trained to identify electrical hazards and to take appropriate safety precautions.
  3. Overloading: Ladders have weight limits that should not be exceeded. Overloading a ladder can result in it collapsing, causing serious injuries or even death. Municipalities should ensure that workers are trained to identify weight limits and to use the appropriate ladder for the task at hand.
  4. Improper placement: Ladders should be placed on stable ground and at the correct angle. Improper ladder placement can result in the ladder tipping over, causing injuries or property damage. Municipalities should ensure that workers are trained to properly place ladders and that the ground is free from debris or hazards.
  5. Structural defects: Ladders can develop structural defects over time, such as cracks or corrosion. These defects can weaken the ladder and make it more likely to collapse. Municipalities should ensure that ladders are properly maintained and inspected regularly.

STATS

  • According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there are approximately 164,000 emergency room-treated injuries and 300 deaths related to ladders each year in the United States.
  • According to the Electronic Library of Construction Occupational Safety and Health, almost 25% of all nonfatal falls that occur in the construction industry involve ladder use.
  • Each year in the U.S., more than 500,000 workers are treated and about 300 people die from ladder-related injuries. The estimated annual cost of ladder injuries in the U.S. is $24 billion, including work loss, medical, legal, liability, and pain and suffering expenses.
  • National data for work-related fatalities due to falls over a 5-year period indicate “the most common sources in these cases were ladders (836 fatal injuries).
  • In the workplace, industries like construction, maintenance, and repair report the highest number of ladder-related injuries. In 2021, there were significant disabling injuries reported in sectors such as road transportation and public services, which often involve tasks that require ladder use​ (Canada.ca).
  • In Canada, approximately 14,000 people are injured annually due to ladder-related accidents. These injuries often occur from falls, which can happen when a ladder slips, overreaching, or improper securing of the ladder. Municipal workers, among other professions, frequently experience such accidents, especially in construction, maintenance, and repair jobs​​.