National Ladder Safety Month
National Ladder Safety Month marks a focused effort to raise awareness of safe ladder practices in homes and job sites. It reminds people to choose the correct ladder, inspect it every time, and set it up with care.
Position ladder safety products and training services as essential March offerings for contractors, facilities managers, and homeowners—backed by OSHA/NIOSH credibility.
- Ladder inspection checklist: 5-point safety audit for your garage or job site
- Before-and-after: How proper setup prevents injuries (video testimonials)
- March Safety Pledge challenge: Tag your team to commit to three-point contact climbing
- Retailer spotlight: Stock and promote certified ladders during National Ladder Safety Month
The American Ladder Institute, known as ALI, started National Ladder Safety Month in 2017. They saw the need for better safety habits after years of rising injuries.
Every year, thousands of people get hurt on ladders—many while doing simple tasks at home or work. ALI wanted to change that.
Their goal was to help people stay safe by teaching the basics: use the right ladder, check for damage, and climb with care.
In its first year, the program focused on spreading key safety messages through schools, businesses, and local groups. That small beginning quickly gained attention.
Safety organizations like NIOSH, OSHA, and the National Safety Council joined the effort. They shared guides, held training sessions, and encouraged people to take part. Together, these groups made ladder safety more visible in everyday life.
As the campaign grew, new tools came with it. Posters, videos, free online lessons, and checklists popped up across websites and social media. ALI also created weekly themes. One week might focus on inspections.
Another might cover proper use or safe storage. These changing topics kept the message fresh, helpful, and easy to follow.
Over the years, more workers, families, and community leaders got involved. Some hosted events. Others shared safety tips online.
By 2025, the campaign had run for nine straight years. Every March, it reminded people to think before they climb. The message reached beyond the U.S. and inspired safety talks around the world.
National Ladder Safety Month began with one simple idea: prevent falls with good habits. Thanks to the people who keep it going, that message now helps protect countless lives, one steady step at a time.
Host a Hands-On Safety Check
Pick one day to inspect every ladder at home or work. Look for loose screws, cracked parts, or wobbly frames. Keep a checklist nearby while you work. Replace anything unstable right away. You’ll feel safer every time you climb.
Share Tips in a Fun Way
Turn safety into a game. Create a quiz with ladder do’s and don’ts. Hand out small prizes or treats for perfect scores. Use flyers, sticky notes, or group chats to keep it going all month. Laughing helps people remember rules longer.
Add Visuals Around the House
Post bold, colorful signs in garages or closets where ladders are stored. Use short messages, and people will spot them quickly. Bright arrows and cartoon symbols can catch the eye. Make your own or print free ones online.
Plan a Quick Practice Session
Take ten minutes with your family or coworkers to review proper climbing steps. Practice setting up on even ground. Try the three-point contact rule together. No need for a lecture—just move, climb, and learn as a team.
Go Digital With a Safety Pledge
Record a short video promising to follow ladder guidelines. Share it with friends or post it online. Tag others to do the same. Spreading the word this way builds habits that stick. Each clip can spark a safer routine somewhere else.