Ladder Safety & Vertical Fall Arrest Systems

Protecting Your People. Elevating Your Safety Standards.

Ladder Fall Protection Systems That Meet the Moment

Targeting industrial sites, energy plants, and high-rise construction with fixed and mobile fall arrest systems designed for today’s safety expectations.

Ladder Safety Hazards in Construction & Industrial Worksites

Unsafe ladder use is still one of the leading causes of fall-related injuries in industrial settings. Whether you’re navigating vertical access ladders on tanks, silos, cooling towers, or rooftops, hazards emerge when workers are exposed to unprotected heights, worn-out equipment, or missing anchor systems.

Common risks include:

• Lack of a fall arrest system on fixed ladders over 24 feet

• No 3-point contact enforced

• Weathered or unstable ladder stabilisers

• Inadequate inspections, particularly in seasonal transitions
  

Anatomy of a Fixed Ladder Fall Arrest System

A compliant fixed ladder fall arrest system is more than a cable and harness. It’s a complete engineered solution built for consistent performance.

Components typically include:

• Vertical track or cable lifeline system (lad-saf or rigid rail)
  
  

• Top and bottom anchor points
  
  

• Intermediate brackets
  
  

• Self-retracting lifeline (SRL) or cable sleeve
  
  

• Full-body harness with dorsal D-ring
  
  

• Climb-assist systems for tall applications
  
  

Bonus tip: Systems must meet ANSI Z359.16 and CSA Z259.2.5 requirements.

Always confirm your ladder system meets 2020 updates from OSHA and local jurisdiction codes.

Step-by-Step Guide: Inspections, Certifications, Anchor Points

Staying compliant starts with regular checks and documented accountability.

Weekly or Monthly Inspections

• Look for corrosion, wear on connectors, loose mounts
  

• Check SRLs for retraction tension and lock engagement
  

• Confirm lifeline tension and label readability
  
  

Annual Certification

• Completed by certified fall protection technician
  

• Load testing of anchor points
  

• Documentation required for CSA/OSHA audits
  
  

Anchor Point Verification

• Confirm anchor points are rated for 5,000 lbs.
  

• Label anchors by date, technician, and load rating
  

• Visual tags must be clearly visible to all users
  
  

Mobile Ladder Systems vs. Permanent Installations

Choosing between mobile and fixed systems depends on your site’s access frequency, equipment height, and layout.

Procurement Guide: Lanyards, SRLs, Harnesses for Ladder Work

Use gear built specifically for vertical climbing and confined space.

Ladder-Compatible Equipment Essentials:

1. Short-length SRLs (6’-10’) with quick-locking
   
   
2. Climbing-rated full body harness (Class A)
   
   
3. Fixed ladder sleeves for vertical systems
   
   
4. Shock-absorbing lanyards with dual legs (for transitions)
   
   

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Compliance Tips for Facility Managers & Safety Coordinators

Field audits often reveal key oversights that put compliance and safety at risk. We work with facility managers across Canada to identify and correct the following:

• Outdated equipment not meeting CSA Z259
  

• Lack of system labels or inspection records
  

• No user training documented (even with installed system)
  

• Improper ladder installation distances from landing
  

Energy Site Compliance Fix Using Ladder System

In 2024, a Western Canada energy facility faced CSA non-compliance on three rooftop access points. Our team implemented a fixed rigid-rail system with certified anchor posts and dual SRL kits.

Outcome:

• Reduced risk of ladder fall by 93%

• Passed provincial safety audit in under 3 weeks

• Saved 28 hours of manual inspection by using our automated tagging software
  
  

Case study available on request 

Next Step: Audit Your Ladder Safety Plan

Too many organizations overlook vertical fall protection until it’s too late. We make it easy to fix that—on time and on budget.

Request a Free Ladder Safety Audit 

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