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FALL PROTECTION Ascending Safely Why choosing stairs over ladders is the smarter choice for rooftop safety. BY DAN HUNTINGTON As 2024 unfolds, it’s an ideal time for businesses to reassess and innovate in workplace safety. A case in point is a leading national manufacturer that recently contacted my company for help with a significant safety overhaul. They’re transitioning from ladders to stairs for rooftop access across all their fa- cilities, signaling a major shift in industrial safety practices. This initiative is more than an upgrade; it’s part of a broader movement that’s gain- ing momentum in the industry, setting new benchmarks for safety and efficiency. Let’s investigate the key challenges of us- ing ladders and help you make an in- formed decision for your facility. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set forth spe- cific guidelines and standards for ladder use in the workplace. These guidelines include proper ladder selection, inspection before use, correct positioning, and safe climbing practices. Despite these precautions, the in- herent risks associated with ladder use re- main high. OSHA’s statistics show that falls from ladders comprise nearly a third of all fall-related deaths in construction (OSHA Publication1). This alarming figure under- scores the need for safer alternatives, such as stairs, in industrial settings. Ladders: The Challenge of Maintaining Three Points of Contact One of the fundamental safety rules when using ladders is to maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) at all times. This practice is crucial for stability and balance, reducing the risk of falls. However, in an industrial setting, where workers often need to ascend with tools or materials, following this rule becomes challenging. Ladders demand a balancing act, asking of workers to ascend to dizzying heights with only one hand free for support. This high-wire act can be both strenuous and hazardous, adding extra risk to work environments that are already teeming with potential hazards. Carrying items up a lad- der often means compromising on this safe- ty principle, as one hand is typically used to 38 Occupational Health & Safety | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 www.ohsonline.com hold the item, leaving only one hand and two feet for support. This not only increases the risk of losing balance but also makes the climb up more strenuous and hazardous. In contrast, stairs allow workers to use hand- rails for support and balance, even when carrying tools or materials, thereby adher- ing more effectively to safety protocols and reducing the risk of accidents. Ergonomic Considerations in Industrial Settings Ergonomics plays a crucial role in work- place safety, especially in industrial envi- ronments. Ladders, by their very design, pose ergonomic challenges. The act of climbing a ladder requires more physical effort and can lead to muscle strain and fatigue over time. This is particularly con- cerning in industries where workers are required to climb frequently. Stairs, on the other hand, are designed to match natu- ral human movement, reducing physical strain and the risk of ergonomic injuries. Keeping Up with OSHA Rules for Fixed Ladders When it comes to keeping things safe in dusanpetkovic1/stock.adobe.com industrial settings, sticking to OSHA’s rules is key. Let’s talk about fixed ladders, especially the ones that go more than 24 feet up. OSHA has some specific guide- lines here. If your ladder was put up be- fore November 19, 2018, it needs to have something like a personal fall arrest sys- tem, a ladder safety setup, or even a cage or well around it (1910.28(b)(9)(i)(A)2). For any new ladders added after that date, you’ve got to have a fall arrest system or a ladder safety system in place (1910.28(b) (9)(i)(B)2). And if you’re replacing an old ladder or part of it, this is the time to add one of these safety systems to the new sec- tion (1910.28(b)(9)(i)(C)2). Fast forward to November 18, 2036 – by then, every fixed ladder out there needs to have these safety systems (1910.28(b)(9)(i)(D)2). Now, here’s the thing: keeping up with all these rules for ladders can be a bit of a headache, not to mention the costs in- volved. That’s where switching to stairs can make a lot of sense. Stairs are naturally saf- er, reducing the risk of falls. Plus, they’re a simpler, more cost-effective choice in the long run, especially with safety rules get- ting tighter over time.