Ladder Safety Cages and What’s on the Horizon
As we come out of winter and are checking our roofs or roof hvac units, it is important to pay attention to your ladders.
OSHA’s fixed ladder safety regulations are in the midst of major transition that impacts many facilities with ladders over 24 feet in height.
Under 29 CFR 1910, traditional ladder safety cages are being phased out. OSHA has determined that cages do not prevent falls and, in some cases, may increase injury severity by causing a “pinball effect” during a fall.
Instead, OSHA now requires safer modern fall protection solutions:
- Ladder Safety Systems
- Personal Fall Arrest Systems
If Your Facility has Fixed Ladders, here’s what you need to know with a timeline.
November 19, 2018 – The Line in the Sand
Any fixed ladder over 24 feet installed on or after this date must be equipped with a Ladder Safety System to connect to a body harness. Safety cages are no longer acceptable for new installations.
2018-2036 – Transition Phase
Existing ladders with cages installed before November 19, 2018 may remain in place for now. However, if you repair or replace any portion of the ladder or cage, that section must be upgraded to a compliant fall protection system.
November 18, 2036 – Final Deadline
All fixed ladders over 24 feet must be equipped with an approved fall protection system.
It is important to work with your fixed ladder provider/installer to ensure that the style you erect matches the style of body harness your employees use.
Key Requirements
- Fall protection is required for fixed ladders over 24 feet in height about a lower level.
- Fixed ladders 24 feet or less do not require Ladder Safety Systems.
- Existing cages must allow safe entry and exit.
- Cages cannot interfere with Ladder Safety Systems.
- Structural and clearance standards must still be met.
Why the Change?
Modern Ladder Safety Systems actively arrest falls and significantly reduce risk.
Next Steps
If you have fixed ladders at your facility, now is the time to:
- Inventory ladders over 24 feet.
- Confirm installation dates.
- Identify ladders requiring upgrades.
- Plan for compliance ahead of the 2036 deadline.
- Apply to the TNRMT Safety Grant for financial assistance.
Safety is not just about compliance, it’s about protecting your people.