Try Oregon OSHA’s new portable ladder app

Every year, more workers are injured in falls from ladders than from any other elevated surface, including roofs, scaffolds, balconies, and even stairs.

So far this year, falls from ladders have seriously injured eight Oregon workers, but all of the injuries could have been prevented.

Most falls from ladders happen because workers select the wrong type of ladder for their job or they improperly set up the ladder. Oregon OSHA requires employers to ensure that a competent person trains workers who use ladders, but too often the training is overlooked because of the time-worn assumption that no one will get hurt.

It’s time for a test.

Do you know how to select, set up, and climb a portable ladder?
Test your knowledge with our new portable ladder app – click here to begin.
When you’re done, let us know what you think.
Send comments or suggestions to ellis.k.brasch@state.or.us or use this form.

This might also be a good time to list seven typical ways workers are injured on portable ladders:

1. Not facing the ladder while climbing or descending
2. Over reaching and leaning away from the ladder
3. “Walking the ladder” (trying to move the ladder sideways by bouncing up and down on it)
4. Not maintaining three points of contact (two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot) while climbing or descending
5. Not placing the ladder on a level surface
6. Not securing the ladder (tying it off or bracing it) before climbing
7. Working from a ladder on scaffolding.

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