People in Minnesota who work in jobs that regularly require the use of ladders should be aware of the federal safety regulations for ladder safety. All employers are expected to ensure full implementation and compliance with the rules in order to keep employees safe. A work accident that results from improper use of a ladder or from a faulty ladder can cause serious consequences for an injured worker and family members alike. Additionally, it can be traumatic for co-workers to witness serious or fatal accidents on the job.
According to The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s website, Ladder requirements are broken down in part by the amount of weight they are designed to hold as well as their general configurations. For example:
- Non-fixed position ladders that are either self-supporting or non-self-supporting must hold four times the maximum stated load. An exception is made for type A metal or plastic ladders which must hold 3.3 times the stated load.
- Fixed ladders must be capable of supporting two separate loads up to 250 pound each with each run supporting 250 pounds from the center of the rung. In addition, they should be able to accommodate additional weight or environmental factors such as ice buildup or wind.
- Ladder rungs must be positioned between 10 and 14 inches apart.
- Rungs on stepstools must be between eight and 12 inches apart.
For extension trestle ladders, base rungs must be between eight and 18 inches apart and extension rungs between six and 12 inches apart.
This information is not intended to provide legal advice but general information about the ladder safety in Minnesota.
