They’re too big to fit in a toolbox, but ladders are still among the most common tools used by any tradesman. And, just like other tools, the safe usage of ladders is paramount to a successful day at a work — and returning home at the end of the day in one piece.

The American Ladder Institute (ALI) sponsors National Ladder Safety Month every March to raise awareness of safe ladder usage, help decrease ladder-related injuries and fatalities caused by misuse, and increase the number of people who complete the Ladder Safety Training program. 

Each year’s National Ladder Safety Month has its own theme and focus areas for each week in the month. This year’s theme is Every Step Matters. Topics of weekly focus are:

• Week 1: Training and Awareness
• Week 2: Inspection and Maintenance
• Week 3: Stabilization, Setup, and Accessories
• Week 4: Safe Climbing and Positioning

A special webinar series begins March 10. Registration for each event can be found at https://www.laddersafetymonth.com/participate/scheduled-events/. Topics include Common Ladder Accidents and How to Avoid Them (March 10), Ladder Safety: Set Up & Pro Tips (March 17), and DIY/Homeowner Ladder Safety (March 24).

ALI makes many other online ladder safety training tools available all year long. They can be found at ALI’s dedicated safety training website, https://www.laddersafetytraining.org/. The site makes safety training easy, with an organized curriculum, videos, and resource libraries. The site and its related training are completely free.  

Helping to promote safety and the success of National Ladder Safety Month are our sponsors. This year’s Middle Rung sponsors are International Masonry Institute, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, and Werner Co. First Rung sponsors are Riverdale Plating & Heat Treat, Dorsey & Whitney, and Louisville Ladder.

About the American Ladder Institute

Founded in 1947, the American Ladder Institute (ALI) is a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to promoting safe ladder use through ladder safety resources, safety training, and the development of ANSI ladder safety standards. ALI also represents the common business interests of its members, who are comprised of the leading ladder and ladder component manufacturers in the United States and Canada. National Ladder Safety Month, observed each March and spearheaded by ALI, is the only program dedicated exclusively to promoting ladder safety, at home and work. https://www.americanladderinstitute.org/.