MSHA Offers Ladder Safety Resource for Metal/Nonmetal Industry

MSHA has published a guide on ladder safety for the metal/nonmetal mining industry to help ensure that inspectors, miners and operators are all working with the same information. The guide was developed in response to stakeholder inquiries seeking clarification about ladders and their use.

"Improper use and maintenance of ladders in metal/nonmetal mines can have serious consequences, including injury and death," says MSHA Administrator Joseph Main. "As with other compliance initiatives undertaken by the agency in recent years, I expect our ladder safety guide will result in improved compliance, more consistent enforcement, and, ultimately, reduced injuries and deaths of miners."

Available in PowerPoint and PDF formats, the guide covers ladder construction and maintenance; requirements specific to fixed and portable ladders; underground ladders and travelways; and the differentiation between ladder standards and safe access standards.

The guide, along with other stakeholder material, is published on the MSHA website.

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