Did you know that more than 22,000 people across the U.S. are injured while using ladders each year? And, unfortunately, 161 people suffered a fatal injury from a ladder in 2020. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 65% of those ladder fatalities came from movable ladders.
• Most ladder deaths are from falls of 10 feet or less.
• 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.
Many MSU facilities, infrastructure, and construction projects utilize ladders and lifts, which may pose a safety hazard if not erected and used in compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions, applicable standards and regulations, and the MSU Ladder & Lift Program. The MSU Ladder & Lift Program is designed to be a resource for employees engaging in work that must be performed from ladders and lifts. The Program outlines general requirements for ladders and lifts use including roles and responsibilities, training, and inspection requirements. This program is available for any work involving ladders and lifts. Please review the resources below for additional information.