What Are the Risks of Buying Used Ladders and Stepladders? Safety Reasons to Choose New Products

Introduction

Working at height is an indispensable task across various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and logistics. However, the associated risks of occupational accidents are ever-present. In Vietnam, specifically, the severity of this issue is highlighted by the reported 8,286 occupational accidents in 2024, an increase of 892 cases from the previous year, with 727 fatalities (an increase of 28 from the previous year). In the construction sector, 60.4% of fatal accidents are due to falls from height, and in Japan, approximately 20% of occupational accidents involving work at height are related to ladders and stepladders.

Access equipment such as ladders, stepladders, step stools, and mobile work platforms are critical tools directly impacting worker safety and corporate productivity. Without ensuring the safety of this equipment, not only are workers’ lives jeopardized, but companies also risk reputational damage and financial losses. This article will detail the potential risks that purchasing used ladders and stepladders can bring to the workplace, and profoundly explore why choosing new equipment is essential for safety management and a company’s long-term development, from the perspectives of specific legal regulations, safety standards, and economic considerations.

“Invisible” Risks and Potential Costs Lurking in Used Equipment

Used ladders and stepladders might initially appear to be an attractive option for cost savings. However, numerous “invisible” risks lurk beneath the surface, potentially imposing far greater latent costs on businesses in the long run.

Physical Damage and Hidden Defects

Used equipment may suffer from invisible metal fatigue, microscopic cracks, loose joints, or malfunctioning locking mechanisms—deterioration that is not apparent from the exterior. For instance, while aluminum ladders and stepladders are lightweight and durable, repeated use and impacts can accumulate internal stress, leading to sudden failure. Components such as locking mechanisms and anti-slip rubber are particularly prone to wear and tear, potentially failing to function as intended and causing serious accidents. It is suggested that ladder grip can decrease by approximately 20-30% in wet conditions after rain, indicating that even minor deterioration can be fatal.

Service Life and Age-Related Deterioration

Ladders and stepladders have a service life defined by the manufacturer. Generally, the service life of a ladder is approximately 12 years, with a recommended maintenance inspection (overhaul) every 3 to 5 years from manufacturing. Products exceeding this service life will have advanced material degradation and component wear, meaning their original performance cannot be guaranteed. This not only increases the risk of unexpected failure but also poses a threat to worker safety.

Non-Compliance with Standards and Lack of Certification

Used equipment whose compliance with Vietnamese national standards (QCVN 18) or international standards (EN 131: European Standard, ANSI A14: American Standard) is unknown cannot guarantee safety. These standards require rigorous testing and certification processes for product design, materials, manufacturing processes, durability, and safety features. Products that do not comply with these standards may have a load capacity below the specified limit or an unstable structure, severely compromising safety during work at height.

Obscure Usage History

For used equipment, an unclear history of past usage is also a significant concern. It may have been used in harsh environments, stored improperly (e.g., left outdoors leading to corrosion), or subjected to unauthorized modifications. Such histories can severely impact the product’s structural integrity and safety performance, yet it is difficult for purchasers to accurately ascertain them.

Lack of Recall Information

According to the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE), approximately 80% of accidents involving used products are caused by fire, and the risk of recalled products circulating in the used market has been highlighted. For ladders and stepladders, products subject to recall due to manufacturing defects also exist. If used equipment is purchased, there is a risk that such recall information may not reach the buyer, leading to the unwitting continued use of dangerous products.

“Assured Safety” Demanded by Regulations and Safety Standards

Compliance with occupational safety and health regulations and standards is a corporate social responsibility and a crucial reason to choose new ladders and stepladders.

Vietnamese Occupational Safety and Health Regulations

In Vietnam, worker safety is strictly protected by the Law on Occupational Safety and Health 2015 and related circulars (e.g., Circular 13/2016/TT-BLĐTBXH). Specifically, work at heights of 2 meters or more, or work on mobile platforms or unstable surfaces, is considered “work requiring strict safety management.” Employers and workers are legally obligated to implement safety measures and use appropriate personal protective equipment. This includes ensuring that the ladders and stepladders used meet safety standards.

Legal Obligation for Periodic Inspections

Japan’s Industrial Safety and Health Regulations stipulate that employers must inspect access equipment (ladders, stepladders, etc.) before use and repair or replace them if any abnormalities are found. This principle of safety management should also be applied in Vietnamese workplaces to ensure worker safety. Regular inspections and proper maintenance are essential for preventing accidents, and new products facilitate adherence to manufacturer-recommended inspection cycles and part replacements.

Importance of International Safety Standards

Products that comply with international safety standards such as EN 131 (European Standard) and ANSI A14 (American Standard) undergo rigorous testing and certification processes for design, materials, durability, and safety features, ensuring a high level of safety. For example, EN 131 professional ladders guarantee a maximum load of 150kg. Products adhering to these standards deliver stable performance even in demanding site conditions, reliably protecting worker safety. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) violation rankings show ladder-related violations ranked 3rd in the top 10 for fiscal year 2022, underscoring the importance of proper management.

Manufacturer’s Responsibility and Quality Assurance

Purchasing new ladders and stepladders ensures manufacturer quality assurance and access to the latest recall information and instruction manuals. This reduces the risk of unexpected accidents due to product defects and allows for manufacturer support in unforeseen circumstances. Furthermore, new products provide detailed information on correct usage, such as maintaining a ladder angle of approximately 75 degrees and extending the top end at least 60cm above the upper landing, thereby promoting safe work practices.

The “Long-Term Value” and Corporate Responsibility of Choosing New Equipment

The initial investment in new ladders and stepladders might seem higher compared to used equipment. However, considering the long-term value this choice brings to a company and the social responsibility it fulfills, investing in new equipment is by no means excessive.

Initial Investment vs. Hidden Costs

While the purchase cost of used equipment may appear low, it can lead to enormous “invisible costs” such as subsequent repair expenses, periodic inspection fees, and, most critically, medical expenses, compensation costs, productivity losses due to operational shutdowns, and damage to corporate reputation in the event of an accident. Occupational accidents in Vietnam increased by 12% year-on-year in 2024, with associated economic losses also trending upwards. Comparing the price of a single new stepladder with the potential losses from an accident clearly demonstrates the rationality of investing in new equipment. Investment in safety should be viewed not merely as an expense, but as a strategic investment to mitigate future risks and support a company’s sustainable growth.

Peace of Mind and Reliability

New ladders and stepladders undergo stringent quality control from their manufacturing process and incorporate the latest safety technologies. This allows workers to concentrate on their tasks with confidence, contributing to improved work efficiency. Reliable equipment reduces the psychological burden on workers, enabling safer and higher-quality work.

Increased Productivity and Risk Reduction

Safe and reliable equipment enhances work efficiency and minimizes the risk of work interruptions or delays due to accidents. Accidents are frequent in work at height due to improper use or insufficient inspection, making it crucial to strictly adhere to correct usage (e.g., do not stand on the top platform, always maintain three points of contact). New products are designed with these safe usage methods in mind, making it easier for workers to comply with safety guidelines.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Prioritizing employee safety and providing a safe working environment are essential for fulfilling corporate social responsibility. Investing in new safety equipment is a tangible action that demonstrates this commitment and contributes to enhancing a company’s brand image. A commitment to safety also helps attract and retain skilled personnel, thereby strengthening a company’s competitiveness.

Conclusion

Used ladders, stepladders, and mobile work platforms carry numerous risks, including invisible damage, non-compliance with standards, and unknown usage history, all of which can lead to serious occupational accidents. These risks can manifest as potential costs far exceeding the initial purchase price, as well as damage to corporate reputation.

Conversely, new products offer assured safety, compliance with Vietnamese occupational safety and health regulations and international standards (EN 131, ANSI A14), manufacturer quality assurance, and long-term economic rationality. Choosing new access equipment is the wisest investment for ensuring worker safety, enhancing corporate productivity, and fulfilling social responsibility.

Hasegawa Vietnam provides high-quality ladders, stepladders, and mobile work platforms that meet Japan’s stringent safety standards. To foster a “safety culture” at our customers’ sites, we contribute to improving occupational safety and health in Vietnam not only through our products but also through providing information on safe usage and robust support systems. For workplaces aiming to achieve both safety and efficiency, we encourage you to consider Hasegawa Vietnam’s products.