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National Ladder Safety Month

Promoting Safe Climbing at Work

Posted on Mar 01, 2026

Held each March, National Ladder Safety Month, led by the American Ladder Institute, highlights the importance of safe ladder use through education, training, and awareness efforts. The campaign was created to raise awareness of ladder safety and reduce injuries and fatalities caused by ladder misuse. It is currently the only nationwide initiative dedicated exclusively to ladder safety in the workplace and home.

National Ladder Safety Month builds safety knowledge through weekly themes covering ladder selection, inspection, setup, safe climbing practices, and stepstool use. Businesses can also participate in webinars and training events offered throughout the month to support safer workplaces. Click here for more information and to register.

Why Ladder Safety Matters

Falls remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities in the United States. The National Safety Council reports that falls from ladders and other elevated surfaces continue to cause thousands of serious injuries and hundreds of deaths each year. These statistics reinforce the need for consistent ladder safety education and training across industries to keep workers safe.

Ladder Safety Do's and Don'ts

Safety guidance from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) emphasizes simple but essential practices that can help reduce fall risks.

Do:

- Inspect ladders before use

- Place ladders on stable, level surfaces

- Maintain three points of contact

- Follow ladder load limits

- Wear slip-resistant footwear

Don't:

- Use damaged ladders

- Stand on top rungs or steps

- Overreach while climbing

- Use ladders near electrical hazards without proper protection

- Place ladders on unstable objects

Watch the video below for more helpful ladder safety information.

Supporting Safety Beyond the Campaign

The HEMIC Safety & Risk Management Team can help businesses continue safety education year-round through training, resources, and workplace safety support. This service is available to all HEMIC policyholders as a benefit.

If you are a HEMIC policyholder who does not have a written safety program, HEMIC’s Safety & Risk Management consultants can assist you with developing a customized plan for your workforce. You can also access the HEMIC Safety Suite for more information on this topic.

Contact HEMIC Safety & Risk Management at safety@hemic.com or (808) 524-3642.

Learn more about HEMIC’s Workers’ Compensation offerings.

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