Ladder Use Stats and Facts

FACTS

  • Falls from ladders are the leading cause of deaths on construction sites.
  • Over the past decade, the number of people who have died from falls from ladders has tripled. 
  • Falls from ladders are the leading cause of ladder-related injuries, followed by using a ladder improperly, using a faulty or defective ladder, and simple carelessness.
  • Ladders are available in many forms ranging from: attic ladders, orchard ladders, and roof ladders to sectional ladders, cat ladders, Christmas tree ladders.  
  • There are 4 main types of ladder injuries. These include injuries related to: selecting the wrong type of ladder, using worn/damaged ladders, using ladders incorrectly, and placing ladders incorrectly.
  • Fractures are the most common type of ladder-related injury.

STATS

  • Each year in the U.S., more than 500,000 people are treated and about 300 people die from ladder-related injuries.
  • In 2015, 150 workers died while using a ladder. (BLS)
  • In 2015, there were 20,000 non-fatal workplace injuries involving ladders. (BLS)
  • According to the BLS, 50% of all ladder-related injuries occurred when the individual was climbing with objects in their hands.
  • 500,000 people receive medical treatment in the U.S. annually due to ladder use, according to the CPSC.
  • According to the World Health Organization, the United States leads the world in ladder deaths. Each year, there are more than 164,000 emergency room-treated injuries and 300 deaths in the U.S. that are caused by falls from ladders.
  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, at least 50 percent of ladder-related accidents were due to individuals carrying items while they climbed. Additionally, each year, more than 900,000 people receive emergency room treatment from ladder-related injuries.
  • More than 500,000 people receive emergency room treatment from ladder-related injuries every year.
  • More than 300 of these falls end up being fatal.
  • These deaths account for 15% of all occupational deaths.
  • Elevated falls account for almost 700 occupational deaths annually.
  • More than 90,000 people receive emergency room treatment from ladder-related injuries every year.