The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 was enacted “to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women; by authorizing enforcement of the standards developed under the Act.” With the Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) was established as part of the United States Department of Labor.
OSHA established standards to protect workers against unsafe ladder maintenance or use on jobsites.
LADDERS (29 CFR 1926.1053)
Ladders had over 2,000 violations cited in 2020. The regulations placed on the use of ladders on work sites is to diminish the risk of an employee becoming injured.
While OSHA has many specific rules for different ladders and work areas in the construction field, the common topics covered are:
- How much weight a ladder can bear.
- The angle and position of a ladder.
- The spacing and design of ladder rungs, cleats, or steps.
- How to use two or more ladders together to achieve additional height.
- Ladder care and maintenance.
Many injuries that occur from Ladder violations are similar to those that can occur from falling or violations found within scaffolding, such as broken bones, head injuries, damage to internal organs, or wrongful death.
When employers ignore OSHA’s safety standards, it is predictable that workers will suffer serious injury or death. When workers suffer injuries on the jobsite, those people in charge of safety at the jobsite may be responsible for the consequences of failing to protect workers from unsafe ladder maintenance or use.
If you have questions/concerns regarding unsafe ladder maintenance or use at the jobsite that results in falls, you should consult a lawyer experienced in handling construction site injury cases. For questions, please contact one of the experienced lawyers at DILLER LAW, PC.