Every March, National Ladder Safety Month brings attention to one of the most common hazards in construction and maintenance work: ladder-related falls.
Across the United States, ladder incidents remain a major source of workplace injuries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, hundreds of workers lose their lives each year in ladder-related incidents, while thousands more experience serious injuries that may significantly impact their ability to work. (https://www.bls.gov/iif/oshwc/cfoi/falls-slips-trips.htm).
National Ladder Safety Month, organized by the American Ladder Institute, highlights these risks while focusing public attention on how ladder incidents occur and how such incidents may be reviewed following workplace accidents. (https://www.laddersafetymonth.com/).
For construction workers and laborers across New York City, ladder-related incidents remain a major part of workplace injury discussions and legal reviews.
National Ladder Safety Month and Why Ladder Falls Matter
National Ladder Safety Month takes place each March and focuses on public awareness around ladder use across construction sites, warehouses, homes, and maintenance environments.
The American Ladder Institute’s 2026 campaign highlights five key themes throughout the month:
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Week One: Choosing the Right Ladder
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Week Two: Check Before You Climb
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Week Three: Set It Up Safely
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Week Four: Climb Safely, Work Safely
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Week Five: Safe Steps with Stepstools
While the the campaign focuses on awareness, the issue behind it is significant. Data from the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) shows that ladder-related injuries account for tens of thousands of emergency room visits every year (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/falls/).
Many of these incidents occur in construction environments, where ladders are frequently used for roofing, electrical work, framing, and building maintenance.
How Workplace Ladder Falls Are Typically Reviewed
When ladder accidents occur on job sites, they are often examined through several different review processes.
Federal agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) track ladder-related hazards and maintain safety standards connected to workplace fall prevention (https://www.osha.gov/publications/publication-products?publication_title=ladder+safety).
In serious incidents, workplace accidents may also trigger investigations focused on:
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Worksite safety conditions
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Equipment placement or stability
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Site supervision and work practices
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Compliance with safety regulations
According to OSHA, falls remain the leading cause of death in the construction industry, accounting for a large percentage of fatal workplace incidents each year (https://www.osha.gov/stop-falls).
Because ladders are widely used in construction, they are frequently referenced in discussions of workplace fall incidents.
Ladder Incidents in Construction and Urban Worksites
Cities like New York present unique conditions for ladder use. Dense job sites, renovation work, and vertical construction environments often require workers to access elevated areas quickly.
Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that ladder-related injuries affect workers across multiple industries, including construction, maintenance, and building services (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/falls/ladder/index.html).
In dense urban areas, ladders are commonly used for:
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Interior renovation work
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Exterior façade maintenance
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Electrical and HVAC installations
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Roofing and repair projects
When incidents occur, the resulting investigations may examine the broader jobsite environment and whether safety measures were in place.
Why Ladder Safety Awareness Continues to Grow
Programs like National Ladder Safety Month reflect a larger national effort to bring attention to workplace fall risks.
Organizations such as the American Ladder Institute, OSHA, and NIOSH regularly publish data showing that ladder-related injuries remain a persistent issue despite increased safety awareness.
The purpose of awareness campaigns is not only to highlight equipment risks but also to emphasize how workplace incidents are documented, investigated, and understood within the broader construction industry.
For injured workers and their families, these reviews may help them understand the circumstances surrounding a workplace incident.
Advocating for Injured Workers After Construction Accidents
Workplace ladder falls can have lasting consequences for workers and their families. Construction injuries often involve significant medical care, time away from work, and long recovery periods.
At William Schwitzer & Associates, our work centers on advocating for individuals who have been injured in workplace and construction accidents across New York.
Our firm represents injured workers and helps ensure their voices are heard when serious jobsite incidents occur.
Important:
This information is only a general guide and is NOT LEGAL ADVICE. Each case is different. The best option is to call our offices for specialized help, call (212) 683-3800 and contact William Schwitzer & Associates for legal assistance.
The images shown in this blog are for illustrative purposes only.
