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Changes may not be obvious, but they're coming

There are many things playing into the design of 21st century ladders. Jobsite safety is playing an increasing role, for example, in the selection of the right ladder for a specific job. A mechanic or twin step ladder has become popular in some areas because it allows two people to be on the same ladder at one time, safely.

OSHA requirements often dictate that a ladder is made from fiberglass, and that is the material of choice because of the many jobs being done around potential electrical hazards. On the other hand, aluminum is still the material of choice for most painters. These two materials are likely to be the leaders for a long time — while the wooden ladder is becoming a thing of the past.

New products coming

Among the more recent introductions are more advanced step stools and step stands. While this style was once just a homeowner product, some of the newest designs are are being made to the Type 1A 300-pound standard and are finding their way to many jobsites.

It's in developing products like these that the ladder industry will continue to grow, along with the introduction of more multipurpose models and job-specific custom tools.

Safety is a recurrent theme wherever ladders are made, sold or used. On-site ladder safety training and ladder inspections can become an important aspect of increased sales. When a distributor's sales staff is demonstrating how to select and match a ladder to the job and the proper use of various ladders in specific situations, these presentations can lead to additional sales and upgrades - while making the enduser a safer, smarter buyer at the same time.

Demonstrate and inspect

Demonstrating the proper inspection techniques, and making on-site inspections from an OSHA perspective on a customer's behalf also presents an excellent opportunity to provide the enduser with the criteria necessary to decide when a ladder needs to be replaced, or when an additional ladder would be better suited to the job.

While the ladder, as a tool, hasn't changed much over the years, the materials, workmanship and applications have been improved constantly - with no end in sight when it comes to the industry's commitment to making each model safer and more reliable.