OSHA step ladder safety regulations exists to protect you from harm, but what about if you choose to ignore the them and get injured?

“Ignorance is no excuse in the eyes of the law” – a phrase that holds significant weight not only in legal matters but also in our daily lives and workplace Occupational health and safety administration, more commonly referred to as OSHA,  health and Safety laws. Ignorance of the OSHA rules, regulations, or safety precautions can lead to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Today’s story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations and the consequences of failing to do so.

In the image shared today, a man is seen preparing to paint a wall. He has no Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) normally expected to protect himself from paint splatters, and his paint can is full. Confidently, he climbs the step ladder to start the job. However, he has overlooked a crucial detail that will soon lead to his downfall—literally.

OSHA mandates that a step ladder must be inspected daily, as outlined in OSHA regulation 1917.119. Additionally, the OSHA Construction Standard 1926.1053(b)(15) states that ladders should be inspected by a competent person for visible defects on a periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use. Unfortunately, the painter ignores this crucial safety step, and as a result, the step ladder collapses to the left, causing him to crash down onto it, clearly injuring himself.

Ignorance of the law, or any regulation, is not an excuse recognized by the courts or any authority. In 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 105 deaths specifically from movable ladders and 5 deaths from fixed ladders. These are not just numbers; they are lives lost, families devastated, and a reminder that accidents can happen to anyone if precautions are not taken.

As professionals, it is our responsibility to familiarize ourselves with the regulations and safety protocols relevant to our work and to follow them diligently. This not only protects us but also our colleagues and the broader community. Will you check your equipment before using it today, or will you risk becoming another preventable statistic?

Let’s commit to creating a safer work environment by prioritizing safety and adhering to all necessary regulations. Remember, ignorance is not an excuse; it is a choice with potentially dire consequences.

At the Safetyman Academy, we place a high emphasis on cultivating this level of awareness through our various online CPD certified training courses, including our step ladder safety course. Our programs are designed to remind every worker, manager, and employer that attention to detail is paramount when it comes to safety.

We’re proud to make our courses available in 60 languages, reaching out to learners worldwide, bridging linguistic barriers, and fostering an environment of global learning.

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Visit www.safetyman.academy to sign up now or contact us for a bespoke quote for your company.