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Partner Portal +1 (800) 851-5181
Kee Safety Kee Safety is a leading global supplier of fall protection and safe access products, services and training.
Get a Quote Today
Kee Safety Kee Safety is a leading global supplier of fall protection and safe access products, services and training.
Get a Quote Today

Industry Insights: Transforming Workplace Safety by Transitioning from Ladders to Stairs

The Smarter Choice for Workplace Safety

A Critical Look at the High Cost of Falls 

Scaling the Impact: Ladder Safety and Economics

Ladder-Related Injuries and Fatalities:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 22,300 workers receive treatment for ladder-related injuries in the United States annually, and 161 of these incidents result in fatal injuries.

OSHA Violations:
Ladder safety violations consistently rank among OSHA's top 10 most cited safety violations, indicating widespread non-compliance with ladder safety standards in workplaces.

Cost of Ladder Accidents:
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that ladder-related injuries cost the U.S. economy more than $24 billion annually, including medical, legal, liability, pain and suffering, and lost productivity costs.

Maximizing Safety: From Three-Point Contact to Stair Utilization

1. Three-Point Contact and Fall Prevention: The American Journal of Industrial Medicine highlights that adhering to the three-point contact rule can significantly reduce the likelihood of falls, which constitute a major portion of workplace accidents, especially in construction and industrial settings..


2. Ladder-Related Fall Injuries: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that falls from ladders account for approximately 20% of all fall injuries in the workplace, with a higher incidence rate in industrial and construction environments.


3.Comparison with Stair Use: According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), using stairs instead of ladders in applicable situations can reduce the risk of fall-related injuries by up to 65%, as stairs provide a more stable and secure means of elevation, especially when carrying items.

Keeping Up with OSHA Rules for Fixed Ladders

Adhering to OSHA's safety regulations is crucial in industrial environments, particularly for fixed ladders over 24 feet. Pre-November 19, 2018, ladders require fall protection like arrest systems or cages (1910.28(b)(9)(i)(A)), while post-date installations need fall arrest or ladder safety systems (1910.28(b)(9)(i)(B)).

Upgrades must include these systems too (1910.28(b)(9)(i)(C)), and by November 18, 2036, all fixed ladders must comply (1910.28(b)(9)(i)(D)). Considering the complexity and cost of these requirements, opting for stairs can be a safer, more straightforward, and cost-effective solution, aligning with the trend towards stricter safety standards.

The Advantages of Stair Access

Comparing Stairs and Ladders

Moving from ladders to stairs significantly bolsters both immediate and long-term workplace safety

Ladders 1B

High Traffic Areas

Stairs support continuous flow, unlike ladders, which can become congested. OSHA statistics reveal that ladder congestion can lead to hazardous situations.

Ladders 2B

Carrying Loads

Carrying loads up and down ladders significantly increases the risk of falls. In 2020, 161 people suffered fatal injuries from ladder accidents (OHS Online). Stairs offer a safer way to transport materials.

Emergency Situations

Emergency Situations

In emergencies, rapid and safe evacuation is essential. Stairs provide a quicker and safer route, crucial given that ladder-related delays can have dire consequences.

Stairs Ladders

Boosting Safety & Speed

Research underscores the efficiency of stairs over ladders, revealing that stairs allow for a speedier ascent and descent by up to 30%, streamlining operations that involve frequent transitions between various levels. This increase in speed not only aids in task completion but also minimizes the time workers spend in potentially hazardous situations associated with height.

Ergonomic solutions, such as integrating stairs into the workplace, have been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of accidents, with a potential decrease of up to 65% according to studies conducted by the Ergonomics Center of North Carolina. This reduction in workplace accidents contributes to a safer work environment and can lead to a decrease in associated costs from lost workdays and workers’ compensation.

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