Roofing Law
How a Roofing Lawyer Keeps Your Workplace Up to Date With OSHA’s Ladder Regulations
Job sites are dangerous places, especially for roofing professionals. Without the proper guidelines in place, serious injuries and fatalities can occur. OSHA ladder regulations specify how employers are to provide ladders that are appropriate for the job at hand. If these rules are not followed, your roofing company is at risk of receiving a citation, a citation that could increase if the violation is not remedied.
Fortunately, our roofing lawyers are here to ensure that your roofing company is covered for any ladder regulations on the job site. Below, we’ll discuss OSHA regulations and safety guidelines for the use of ladders on a worksite.
Avoiding Ladder Accidents
OSHA ladder regulations state that jobsite ladders should only be used for their intended purpose. In addition, ladder regulations stipulate:
- Ladders should never be placed near any hazardous or slippery substances.
- The ladder’s load rating should never exceed the maximum limit set by the manufacturer.
- The rungs, cleats, and steps of a ladder must always be facing parallel to each other and uniformly spread when in use.
- Ladders must be equipped with nonconductive side rails if the worker or ladder are exposed to electrical hazards.
- Wood ladders may not be coated with any nontransparent covering except for identification or warning labels.
OSHA expects all ladder regulations to be followed by employers. A roofing lawyer can provide a safety audit of your jobsite, check that the required ladder fall protection is provided, and ensure that you are not in danger of receiving any OSHA fines.
Related: How to Prevent OSHA Violations by a National Roofing Lawyer
Specific Ladder Regulations
Specialty ladders have their own set of specific rules and regulations enforced by OSHA. Employers should always be aware of the different ladders present on a worksite and the innate function of each piece of equipment. Some safety regulations related to speciality ladders include:
- U.S. federal law mandates that portable ladders be fitted with skid-resistant material to reduce the likelihood of slipping while in use.
- Non-self-supporting and self-supporting ladders must never exceed their maximum weight limit by more than four times the total weight of the ladder.
- OSHA requires employers to supply necessary ladder safety devices and other related support systems.
- Any defective ladder must be labeled “Do Not Use” and may only be reused when repairs have restored the ladder to the original factory condition.
- Any ladder with missing parts, structural defects, or an unidentifiable problem should be deemed defective and clearly labeled as such.
No matter the jobsite, OSHA ladder regulations are strictly enforced and must be adhered to at all times. Our roofing lawyers can assist with any questions or concerns you may have regarding ladder regulations on a construction site.
If you would like to speak with an experienced attorney about ladder fall protection, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.