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Ladder Safety Month

National Ladder Safety Month, created by the American Ladder Institute (ALI), raises awareness to reduce ladder-related injuries and fatalities. ALI believes ladder accidents are preventable through proper planning, training, and improved product design. The more individuals and organizations involved, the greater the impact. In 2025, ladders ranked as OSHA’s 3rd most cited safety violation, with 2,405 violations.

Goals of Ladder Safety Month:

  1. Decrease number of ladder-related injuries and fatalities

  2. Increase the number of ladder safety training certificates issued by ALI

  3. Increase the frequency that ladder safety training modules are viewed.

  4. Lower the rankings of ladder-related safety citations on OSHA’s yearly Top 10 Citations List

  5. Increase the number of in-person ladder trainings

  6. Increase the number of companies and individuals that inspect and properly dispose of old, damaged or obsolete ladders

Ladder Statistics

#3

In OSHA's 2025 top safety violations with 2,405 citations (read full list here).

22,710

Nonfatal injuries involving ladders. 161 were fatal.

130,000+

Emergency room visits related to ladder incidents

$25 Billion

In annual costs from ladder injuries. This encompasses work loss, medical expenses, legal fees, liability, and pain & suffering

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OSHA Ladder Compliance Checklist Breakdown

Click on each box of the Kattsafe OSHA Ladder Compliance Checklist to learn more about the importance behind each requirement, as well as the correlating OSHA code it relates to.

Stop Defaulting to Vertical Ladders

When it comes to rooftop access, most people default to a standard vertical fixed ladder. But here’s the reality: The angle of your access system directly impacts safety, comfort, and usability.

The more vertical the climb, the more demanding it is on the user. A small change in angle can:

  • Reduce fatigue

  • Improve stability

  • Increase worker confidence and efficiency

  • Lower overall risk during access

Consider the following alternatives next time you're looking for height access solutions:

90° - Vertical Fixed Ladder

  • Most compact footprint

  • Most physically demanding to climb

  • Best when space is limited

75° - Angled Fixed Ladder

  • Easier transition than vertical

  • More comfortable climbing angle

  • Ideal for heights up to ~15 ft

65° - Ships Ladder

  • Noticeably safer and more controlled ascent

  • Better footing and user confidence

  • Ideal for heights up to ~15ft (can create taller systems with platforms in between)

30-45° - Stairs

  • Most natural, ergonomic movement

  • Safest and easiest access option

  • Best for high traffic and frequently accessed areas