Every step matters—from step stools to extension ladders, safety starts before your feet leave the ground.

Ladders are a common tool in both workplaces and homes—but they’re also a leading cause of serious injuries. Each year, more than 100 lives are lost due to ladder-related incidents, and thousands more people experience injuries that can permanently impact their ability to work and live independently.

That’s why Auspice Safety proudly supports National Ladder Safety Month, taking place every March. Led by the American Ladder Institute (ALI), this annual initiative is dedicated to raising awareness, improving training, and reducing preventable ladder-related injuries and fatalities.

What Is National Ladder Safety Month?

National Ladder Safety Month is the only nationwide program focused exclusively on ladder safety—both on the job and at home. Organized by the American Ladder Institute, the initiative highlights the very real risks associated with improper ladder use and provides practical guidance to help prevent accidents.

Each year, tens of thousands of ladder-related injuries occur due to misuse, lack of training, or using damaged or inappropriate equipment. Through education, standardized safety practices, and increased awareness, these incidents can be significantly reduced.

ALI—the sole accredited developer of safety standards for the U.S. ladder industry—serves as the presenting sponsor, reinforcing the importance of consistent, evidence-based safety practices.

Why Ladder Safety Matters

ALI’s message is simple but powerful: ladder accidents are preventable. With proper planning, effective training, regular equipment inspections, and ongoing innovation in ladder design, lives can be saved.

When organizations and individuals actively participate in National Ladder Safety Month, the impact extends far beyond March. The more awareness grows, the more people adopt safer habits—and the fewer injuries occur.

The Goals of National Ladder Safety Month

National Ladder Safety Month aims to create measurable improvements in safety outcomes by:

  • Reducing the number of ladder-related injuries and fatalities

  • Increasing participation in ALI ladder safety training and certification programs

  • Expanding the use of online ladder safety training modules at laddersafetytraining.org

  • Lowering ladder-related violations on OSHA’s annual “Top 10 Citations” list

  • Encouraging more in-person ladder safety training sessions

  • Promoting regular inspection and proper disposal of damaged, outdated, or unsafe ladders

At Auspice Safety, we believe that prevention starts with awareness and is sustained through education and action. Take a look at our Working At Heights Training Course

Seasonal Risks: Winter and Spring Safety Tips

Seasonal conditions play a major role in ladder-related slips, trips, and falls—particularly during late winter and early spring.

Winter safety considerations:

  • Clear snow, ice, and frost from ladder rungs, footwear, and work surfaces

  • Avoid ladder use during freezing rain or high winds

  • Wear slip-resistant footwear suitable for cold conditions

  • Ensure ladders are rated for outdoor use and stable on uneven or frozen ground

Spring safety considerations:

  • Watch for wet surfaces from melting snow and rain

  • Be mindful of soft or muddy ground that can cause ladders to shift or sink

  • Inspect ladders for winter-related damage such as cracks, corrosion, or loose hardware

  • Clear debris, tools, and cords from walkways to reduce trip hazards

Addressing these seasonal risks is a key step in helping to prevent falls before they happen.

This March—and all year long—let’s commit to safer practices, smarter training, and ensuring that every climb is a safe one.