Are Ladders a Good Low-Cost Option for Working at Height?

More than 80% of fall accidents on construction sites that resulted in a trip to the emergency room involved a ladder.

Each year in the U.S., more than 100 people die and thousands more are injured from ladder-related falls.

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Ladders on the jobsite are a major source of construction-related injuries that endanger workers and can be costly for employers.

While ladders may seem like an economical solution for working at heights, the true costs associated with workplace injuries can make the initial low price of a ladder misleading.

Incidents involving ladders extend beyond just falls and injuries caused by falling objects. They are also associated with hazards such as overextension, ergonomic injuries, knee strain, and back injuries resulting from handling, setting up, and repositioning the ladders.

The immediate expenses of a work-related injury, including emergency room trips, medical costs, and rehabilitation, are just the tip of the iceberg when considering the overall impact on the finances.

Indirect costs such as lost productivity, increased insurance rates, and potential OSHA fines can escalate the initial expense of such accidents between four to tenfold. For a rough estimate, an immediate cost for emergency care and follow-up doctor visits could easily reach $12,000 or more.

In the early stages of project planning, utilizing a ladder for elevated work might appear to be the less expensive option. However, a comprehensive analysis of safety factors and the financial implications of injuries clearly demonstrates that there are safer and potentially more cost-effective alternatives available.

Vertical Mast Lifts: A Safer Alternative

All major MEWP manufacturers offer excellent alternatives to ladders.

Self-propelled or manually propelled, push-around Vertical Mast Lifts, also known as Personnel Lifts, feature a range of height options suited for indoor tasks as well as general maintenance and warehouse operations.

These lightweight lifts are ideal for spaces where load restrictions may disallow the use of heavier aerial lifts. Most models are designed to fit through standard doorways and into service elevators.

With maximum lift heights ranging from 12 ft to 40 ft and platform capacities between 350 to 550 lbs, workers can carry necessary tools and materials as they ascend, reducing the need for multiple trips.

Vertical mast lifts mitigate the risk of back and knee injuries from ladder positioning and climbing, as well as various other injuries.

Equipped with platform guard rails, these lifts eliminate the requirement for three points of contact needed on a ladder, enabling contractors and maintenance staff to work hands-free with a full 360-degree range of motion.

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Below are a few excellent examples of Vertical Mast Lifts available for sale or rent at Alexander Equipment Rental.

Click on each option for more information:

Self Propelled Options

Skyjack SJ12

Genie GR20

Manually Propelled or Push Around Option

Genie AWP30S

Alexander Equipment Rental offers Vertical Mast Lifts for sale or rent, with a variety of platform heights available in both self-propelled and push-around configurations. Click on the links below for more information.

Vertical Mast Lifts for Rent

Vertical Mast Lifts for Sale