Key points
The Ladder Safety App is designed to improve extension and step ladder safety. Ladder safety should be a priority for any ladder user on or off the job.
About the app
The Ladder Safety App is NIOSH's first mobile application. The app is designed to improve extension and step ladder safety. Ladder safety is a concern for anyone completing a task that requires a ladder because of the risk of falling.
Get the app
Download for free at Apple Store and Google Play available in English and Spanish (adaptive to which language is set on your device).
User's Manual is also available: iOS (En español) Android (En español)
Ladder safety app GIF
Ladder safety app infographic
Ladder safety app postcard
How it works
The app provides user-friendly guidance and interactive tools to prevent major causes of falls.
- Uses visual, sound, and vibration signals to make it easier for users to set an extension ladder at the proper angle and to check the verticality of extension and step ladders.
- The proper angle is about 75 degrees.
- Provides a procedure to select the minimum required ladder duty rating corresponding to user characteristics and task.
- Includes a comprehensive checklist for ladder inspection and setup
- Presents a set of rules for safe ladder use in a user-friendly format.
- Describes a number of available extension ladder safety accessories.
Using smart phone technology, the app delivers ladder safety tools, information, reference materials, and training resources to individual ladder users. The app is available in English and Spanish as a free download for Apple iPhone/iPad and Google Android devices.
Reviews
As of December 2023, the app has been downloaded more than 850,000 times. Users have provided high ratings of the app, which has also been promoted by state officials, industry leaders, and safety professionals. Many companies have incorporated the use of the app as part of their safety policy. It has also received considerable international attention.
NIOSH researchers considered feedback from ladder users to further improve the app’s appearance, content, and function. As part of this effort, the latest app update includes interactive tools and guides on step ladder safety.
Resources
Book chapters
Ladder Safety – Research, Control, and Practice Fall Prevention and Protection: Principles, Guidelines and Practices CRC Press: October 2017 / :241-270 chapter 15
Fall Risk Associated with Restricted and Elevated Support Surfaces Fall Prevention and Protection: Principles, Guidelines and Practices CRC Press: October 2017 / :119-140 chapter 9
Journal articles
Evaluation of a "walk-through" ladder top design during ladder-roof transitioning tasks Applied Ergonomics: March, 2017 / 59(Pt A):460-469
Patent
Multimodal Indicator Safety Device for Ladder Positioning US Patent No. 08167087 (Issued May 1, 2012)
Other
NIOSH Ladder Safety App Evolves with User Feedback NIOSH Science Blog (February 29, 2016)