New Smartphone App Promotes Ladder Safety

Looking for a new way to keep staff mindful of safety when it comes to using ladders in the workplace? This new smartphone app from The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) could be the answer!

The app is designed to provide workers with visual and audio signals that make it easy to check angles when using extension ladders as well as providing some great tips around ladder safety in general.

It’s amazing to think that falls from ladders are some of the most common construction injuries, but are also the most preventable. One of the highest risk factors when using a ladder is misjudging the angle, which can result in a fall.

If the ladder angle is too steep, it has a higher likelihood of falling back or moving during use or if it’s set too shallow, you face the risk of the bottom sliding out.

One of the best things about the app is that it provides feedback to users around positioning ladders at optimal angles. You’ll also be able to access references and safety guides for extension ladder selections, how to inspect them properly and what accessories could be used to ensure further safety in the workplace.

You can download the app for free from http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/falls/ – as an employer, why wouldn’t you provide this to your employees?