According to OSHA’s guide to stairways and ladders, these following rules apply to all ladders:
- Ladders must be free of substances such as grease, oil and other slippery hazards.
- Load ladders only to their maximum capacity, not beyond their intended load nor beyond their manufacturer’s rated capacity.
- Strictly use ladders only for their designed purposes.
- Ensure that the ladders are used on a stable and level surface, unless secured to prevent accidents.
- Ladders should not be used on slippery surfaces unless in a secured position or if provided with a slip resistant surface to prevent accidental movement.
Ladder rungs should be resistant to slippery elements in order to prevent accidents; the best way to eliminate slip and fall injuries is to coat the ladder rungs with a slip resistant coating. Slip resistant ladder rungs help provide the foot to surface security needed for workers to perform their jobs with ease.
Employers should make a point to keep their employees safe by incorporating slip resistant ladder rungs into new ladder construction to help keep them on their feet.
OSHA. “Stairways and Ladders. A Guide to OSHA Rules.” http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3124.pdf
