Published on: August 27, 2024
Mark Twain and Benjamin Disraeli complained about “lies, damned lies, and statistics,” but not everyone shared their view:
“It is the mark of a truly intelligent person to be moved by statistics.”
~ George Bernard Shaw“Statistics is the grammar of science.”
~ Karl Pearson
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that workplace falls from ladders in 2020 accounted for 161 fatalities and approximately 16,930 injuries involving days away from work. The bureau also reported 52 fatalities and an estimated 4,500 injuries in 2020 due to falls from scaffolds.
And that is damnable. The loss of life. The impact of injuries on workers and their families. It seems harsh to think that employers also suffer a loss in productivity, yet that is also an unfortunate truth. Fortunately, work access platforms are becoming a safer and more efficient alternative to ladders and scaffolds.
Greater stability.
Modular work platforms feature the following construction materials:
- Anti-slip treads made from aluminum or glass-reinforced nylon. They are used for platform steps and decks and are also non-bounce and self-draining for added stability and fall protection.
- Pipe-fitted frames and OSHA-compliant guardrails made from aluminum or galvanized steel rails and fittings. The bases can be adjusted for uneven surfaces.
All materials are strong, durable, and corrosion-resistant. Since the access platform is a “collective” type of fall protection, no training is necessary. Workers can perform their tasks hands-free and comfortably on stable, level surfaces.
In contrast, ladders are prone to tipping, even when used correctly. For safety, the worker must maintain three contact points (two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand). Accidents can occur due to improper use, such as overreaching, incorrect ladder angle, or using the wrong ladder type for the job. Lack of training may also contribute to accidents. Other factors include slippery surfaces, uneven ground, or poor weather if used outdoors.
Scaffolds are designed to be more stable than ladders, but they are complex structures that must be assembled correctly and maintained rigorously or risk a catastrophic accident. Wood planks used for flooring can become wet and slippery. If guardrails are not present or are makeshift (and not OSHA compliant), this multiplies the risk of a fall and injury.
Elevated efficiency and productivity.
Workers using ladders typically spend considerable time ascending, descending, and repositioning the ladder to reach different areas. A ladder’s efficiency is limited to a one-person job in a limited space. Scaffolding provides a larger workspace; however, it requires time-consuming setup and adjustment, particularly in large or complex projects.
Safe access platforms are designed for efficiency. They provide a stable, comfortable surface on which the worker—or multiple workers—has optimum freedom of movement. Workers can focus on their tasks instead of worrying about a ladder or navigating a scaffold.
Platforms can be fixed (static) for permanent installation and frequent tasks, a boon to productivity. Safe access platforms can also be fitted with heavy-duty locking casters for station-to-station mobility, negating the advantage of a ladder.
More versatile and flexible.
Ladders are limited by their height and stability. Scaffolds are cumbersome to erect and more challenging to move.
Safe access platforms can be adapted to various heights and work environments. Their modular design allows them to be built to meet the specific needs of a job, whether it involves accessing hard-to-reach areas or providing a secure workspace for multiple workers simultaneously. If the facility, work needs, or layout changes, the platform can be reconfigured and assembled easily (without welding or drilling.)
Custom platforms can be engineered for adjustable height, fitted with racks and shelves for tools and equipment, and equipped with shop services (e.g., air, water, electrical).
Which solution is best for you?
Compared to ladders and scaffolding, safe access work platforms offer superior safety, greater efficiency, and unmatched versatility—all contributing to increased productivity for your workplace.
If safety and productivity are essential to your organization, contact Flexible Lifeline Systems. We will discuss your needs and concerns about regulatory compliance, visit your site to conduct a safety audit, and map out a plan. Our services can include as little or as much as you need, from design, engineering, and fabrication to installation, training, and other support.