Ladder Safety

Functionality & Mechanism

Developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Ladder Safety app facilitates the correct angular positioning of extension ladders. The system leverages a device's internal sensors to provide multimodal feedback—visual, auditory, and vibrational—guiding the user to the optimal setup angle. The interface also integrates graphic-oriented reference materials, safety guidelines, and checklists for ladder selection, inspection, accessorizing, and use. The application is designed for rapid, on-site deployment and is 508 compliant.

Evidence & Research Context

• The app's angle-setting technology is based on patented NIOSH research identifying suboptimal ladder angle as a significant risk factor for slide-out events and associated falls.
• Integrated guidance materials are aligned with industry safety standards through partnerships with the American Ladder Institute and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A14 committee.
• The associated research contextualizes the tool's development, noting that falls from ladders are a leading cause of occupational injury and death in the U.S.
• The application's design and research-to-practice translation have been recognized with multiple awards, including from the Department of Health and Human Services and NIOSH.

Intended Use & Scope

This application is designed as a performance and training tool for occupational ladder users, employers, and safety professionals. Its primary utility is the on-site verification of correct extension ladder setup angle. The tool serves as a procedural aid and reference; it does not replace comprehensive safety training, physical equipment inspection, or professional judgment regarding environmental hazards.