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Guide to safety standards for ladders and stepladders in Vietnam: scope and practical points

Introduction | The Importance of Ladder/Stepladder Selection and Legal Compliance in Ensuring On-site Safety

In Vietnam’s manufacturing, construction, and logistics sites, ensuring the safety of ladders and stepladders during work at heights is key to preventing occupational accidents. Not only site managers and health and safety officers, but also maintenance and purchasing personnel must be conscious of legal compliance from the product selection stage. In particular, discrepancies exist between the scope and requirements of domestic regulations (QCVN 18) and international product standards (EN 131, JIS S 1121, ANSI A14), and a lack of understanding of these differences increases the risk of accidents. An increase in occupational accidents has been reported in 2024, making the prevention of serious accidents such as falls from heights and electric shocks an urgent issue.

This article will explain, in a practical manner, QCVN 18, which serves as the standard for on-site operations; QCVN 23, concerning fall prevention equipment; EN131/JIS/ANSI, which are references for product selection; Decree 44, which mandates education and training; and the principles of safe use, the 75° angle and 3-point contact.

Challenges and Background | Accident Data and On-site Safety Risk Analysis

Market Data | Vietnam’s Occupational Accident Statistics and the Role of Working at Heights

According to Vietnam’s occupational injury and disease statistics, there were 699 fatalities and 1,720 serious injuries from occupational accidents in 2023. In 2024, the number of accidents is trending upward, with approximately 8,000 incidents and 600-700 fatalities. Particularly in the construction industry, falls during work at heights are one of the main causes of death, and deficiencies in on-site safety measures are directly linked to the occurrence of accidents. Against this backdrop, the selection and management of ladders and stepladders used for work at heights is positioned not merely as equipment procurement, but as a strategic initiative for accident prevention.

Data Box (Key Statistics)

Risk Presentation | Dangers Caused by Improper Installation, Material Selection, and Lack of Inspection

Accidents involving ladders and stepladders are often triggered by non-compliance with basic usage rules. For example, if the angle is too steep or too shallow, stability is lost, increasing the risk of tipping or slipping. Using a conductive metal ladder near electrical equipment increases the risk of electric shock, making proper material selection essential. Furthermore, failure to conduct pre-use inspections or workers operating without a proper understanding of correct usage can lead to serious accidents. These risks can be significantly reduced on-site by thoroughly implementing daily inspection checklists, pre-use confirmations, and regular safety education.

Product and Service Introduction | Features of Hasegawa Ladders/Stepladders and Case Studies

Features | A Product Lineup that Meets International Standards and On-site Needs

Hasegawa’s ladders and stepladders combine compliance with international standards and unique quality control to meet the diverse safety requirements of the workplace. First, EN 131 compliance guarantees a load-bearing capacity of up to 150kg, making them suitable for demanding professional sites. The lineup also includes non-conductive FRP models, which are essential for work around electrical equipment, reducing the risk of electric shock. Furthermore, we can supply JIS-compliant products that leverage the precision manufacturing technology cultivated in Japan, earning high praise for dimensional accuracy and durability.

In addition, we have a system in place to design and manufacture custom stepladders and work platforms tailored to the specific steps and space constraints of each site, providing solutions that directly improve the work environment and efficiency. All these features are supported by years of accumulated safety design know-how and on-site feedback.

Case Study | An Example of Improvement Balancing Safety and Work Efficiency

At a factory manufacturing electronic components, the risks of electric shock and falls during work at heights were a challenge. Before the intervention, conductive aluminum stepladders were used, making it difficult to secure a safe distance when near electrical equipment. Furthermore, variations in angle and installation methods by workers led to frequent minor near-misses.

As a countermeasure, non-conductive FRP stepladders from Hasegawa were introduced, and all workers were supplied with QCVN 23-compliant fall arrest systems (full-body harness + lanyard). Safety education on usage methods and the implementation of a daily inspection checklist were also initiated.

After the introduction, work stoppage time was reduced by about 30% compared to before, and zero minor incidents were maintained over six months of operation. The site manager commented, “I realized that safety measures are directly linked to improved work efficiency.”

Hasegawa’s Reliability | Quality and Safety Support System

Quality Control and Certification | Testing and Declaration of Conformity to Prove Reliable Product Performance

At Hasegawa, we conduct acceptance inspections on all products before shipment to confirm dimensional accuracy and load resistance. In particular, for load-bearing tests, we conduct a 150kg test in accordance with the EN 131 standard, as well as load tests that meet JIS and ANSI requirements, and can present a declaration of conformity to our customers. We have also obtained and maintain international certifications such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) throughout our manufacturing process, ensuring reliability from both a quality assurance and environmental consideration perspective.

Customization and Support System | Optimal Proposals Tailored to Site Conditions

We provide integrated services from measurement to design and manufacturing in-house to match the work conditions and safety requirements of each site. For example, we design custom stepladders and work platforms that fit steps and limited spaces, and propose safe installation plans that comply with QCVN 18. After delivery, we provide user manuals, educational materials, and daily inspection sheets to support the long-term safety education and maintenance inspections of on-site staff.

Conclusion | Aiming for Zero Accidents Through Understanding and On-site Implementation of Safety Standards

This article has organized the necessary elements for the safe use of ladders and stepladders in Vietnam along four axes: regulations, standards, education, and inspection. Consistency between regulations (QCVN) and on-site operations, product selection based on international standards, and thorough implementation of regular education and daily inspections are the shortest path to zero accidents.

At Hasegawa, if you inform us of the conditions such as the height of the site, the surrounding environment (presence of electricity), and frequency of use, we will propose the optimal specifications (material, load capacity, dimensions, attached safety equipment). To achieve both safety and work efficiency, please feel free to consult with us.

Related Links: Full text of QCVN regulations / HSE’s Ladder Safety Guidelines / EN 131 Standard Overview

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