Introduction
With Vietnam’s rapid economic growth, the number of construction sites and manufacturing plants is increasing exponentially. However, ensuring “occupational safety” has become a critical challenge. In particular, falls from heights are a significant risk that, once they occur, can take a worker’s life and devastate a company’s reputation. Leveraging the expertise of Hasegawa Vietnam, this article presents a “Ladder Safety Inspection Checklist” that site supervisors can implement immediately, starting with tomorrow’s morning briefing. From risk explanations based on statistical data to the importance of selecting equipment backed by JIS standards, we provide condensed know-how to dramatically improve safety levels on-site.
Issues and Background: Why Ladders Become a Hotbed for Industrial Accidents
Ladders and stepladders are among the most common tools at worksites in Vietnam. However, because they are so familiar, a sense of overconfidence that “anyone can use them” often leads to a tendency to neglect proper inspections and correct usage.
Market Data and Accident Statistics
Occupational health and safety statistics show that approximately 30% to 40% of casualties in the construction industry are caused by “falls and drops.” This is a serious issue common to both Japan and Vietnam. In particular, “falls from ladders” occur even at relatively low heights of less than 2 meters, frequently leading to serious injuries such as head trauma.
- Accident cause ratio at Vietnamese construction sites: Falls/drops account for approximately 35% of the total (Source: MOLISA 2023 Statistics)
- Number of casualties caused by ladders/stepladders in the Japanese construction industry: Over 5,000 per year (Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare “Anzen Info” site)
- Height of fall accidents: Falls from low places of 2 meters or less account for about 60% of the total (Source: Japan Construction Occupational Safety and Health Association)
- Main causes of accidents: Improper setup (45%), loss of balance during ascent/descent (30%), equipment damage (15%)
- Ladder load capacity standards: JIS and TCVN generally require 100kg or more (Source: JIS S1121 / TCVN 6052)
Source: MOLISA (Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, Vietnam), MHLW “Anzen Info” Site (Japan)
Presenting the Risk: The Price of Pro Forma Inspections
At many sites, inspections have become a mere formality, often consisting only of a verbal check like “Is the gear okay?” before work begins. However, even with aluminum ladders, metal fatigue, loose bolts, and cracks in joints inevitably progress over years of use. Starting work without noticing these flaws is the same as climbing to a high place while carrying an invisible time bomb.
Utilize in Morning Briefings! 5 Key Items for Ladder Safety Inspection
We have organized specific inspection points that site supervisors should communicate to workers during the morning briefing.
[Checklist] Physical Points to Confirm On-Site
- Are there any abnormalities in the rungs (the horizontal steps)?
- Is there any mud or oil attached? (Causes of slipping).
- Are there any distortions, bends, or cracks in the welded parts?
- Is the condition of the stiles (side rails) normal?
- Are there any large dents or bends? These cause a significant drop in strength.
- Can the spreader bars (for stepladders) be securely locked?
- Confirm that the metal fittings are not deformed and can be fixed reliably.
- Are the anti-slip end caps (rubber feet) worn out?
- If the rubber in contact with the ground is worn away and the aluminum is exposed, the risk of tipping over increases.
- Are there any loose or missing bolts and rivets?
- Shake the entire unit lightly to check for any abnormal wobbling.
Rules for Safe Setup and Climbing (Strict Adherence to Three-Point Contact)
After the inspection, it is essential to ensure everyone knows the correct way to use the equipment.
- The setup angle is 75 degrees: When leaning a ladder, maintaining an angle of approximately 75 degrees from the vertical is the most stable.
- Three-point contact: When ascending or descending, maintain a state where “three points”—both hands and one foot, or both feet and one hand—are always touching the ladder. Climbing while carrying luggage is strictly prohibited.
The Reliability of Hasegawa: Technology that Shapes Safety
While emphasizing the importance of inspections, the ultimate responsibility of a site manager is to introduce equipment that is “durable and safe” to begin with.
Strict Quality Control and International Certification
Products provided by Hasegawa Vietnam are designed and manufactured based on Japan’s rigorous JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards). Furthermore, they comply with Vietnam’s national standards, such as TCVN 6052. For example, the joints between the rungs and stiles utilize our unique “bulge technology” and advanced welding techniques that prevent wobbling even after years of use. This achieves significantly higher durability compared to other companies’ products.
Local Support and Customization in Vietnam
For site-specific concerns, such as “standard ladders won’t reach” or “need for indirect maintenance of machinery,” Hasegawa Vietnam can propose custom-made work platforms and ladders. Leveraging the strength of having a local factory with Japanese engineers on-site, we have established a system for rapid after-sales care and parts supply.
Conclusion
Site safety is built on the awareness of each individual and the reliable equipment that supports them. Utilize the checklist introduced here to turn just five minutes of your morning briefing into “time that saves lives.”
Hasegawa Vietnam is not just a manufacturer that sells ladders. We will continue to provide the added value of safety so that everyone working at Vietnamese sites can return to their families with a smile. For more detailed inspection manuals or consultations on selecting the best products for your site, please feel free to contact us.