Trends in … ladder and lifts

Simply put, “ladders and scaffolding have been around for a long time,” said Misty Mason, product manager at JLG. “People are very comfortable with them.

“Yet, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report, 20% of workplace injuries from falls involve a ladder. That statistic surges to 81% in the construction industry. In addition, more than 90,000 people receive ER treatment for ladder-related injuries each year.”

Added Wesley Doyle, marketing manager at Kee Safety: “Ladders and lifts are valuable tools, but their misuse or overuse can create significant safety risks.”

That’s why “recent advancements in ladders and lifts focus on enhancing user stability and reducing fall risks,” Doyle said. “These include slip-resistant steps, improved locking mechanisms and materials that provide lightweight durability.”

Mason says she’s seen a demand for indoor mobile elevating work platforms, as industries such as construction and manufacturing look for safer alternatives to ladders or scaffolding. “Tasks often need to be done in areas that are difficult to navigate with larger, heavier aerial equipment lifts, including traditional slab scissor lifts,” she noted. “These equipment solutions allow users to work with greater comfort, while eliminating the hassle of carrying tools and supplies up and down a ladder.”

And the safer option is the best option for workers. Doyle encourages proper training on the safe use of whichever equipment workers will be using. With ladders, it’s maintaining three points of contact, knowing the weight limit on the ladder and more.

“Whether it’s improving ladder safety through regular inspections or exploring alternatives like modular platforms for specific applications, a proactive approach to hazard mitigation can significantly reduce risks,” Doyle said.

Compiled with the assistance of the International Safety Equipment Association

Coming next month:

• Eco-friendly/sustainability
• Safety signs/labels