By Peter Simeonov, PhD, and Rebecca Olsavsky, MS
The award-winning NIOSH Ladder Safety App is now updated based on our users’ feedback. First introduced in 2013, the app has received much positive feedback. As of the end of 2015, it has more than 52,000 downloads. Among those promoting the app are state officials, industry leaders, and safety professionals. Many companies have even incorporated the use of the app as part of their safety policy. It has also attracted considerable international attention and earned a merit award from the Digital Health Awards, a program that recognizes the world’s best digital health resources for consumers and health professionals.
Based on input from our users, we improved the app’s appearance, content, and function. The Ladder Safety App now includes step ladder safety and additional interactive tools. We also created a YouTube video which provides an overview of the app’s features.
Why all the fuss about ladder safety? In the United States, more than 500,000 people per year are treated—and about 300 people die—from ladder-related injuries. The estimated annual cost of ladder injuries in the U.S. is $11 billion.
The app still provides user-friendly guides and interactive tools to prevent major causes of falls:
