Introduction
In the logistics and warehousing industry, due to the increase in the number of SKUs and market demands for a 99% next-day delivery rate, a major challenge is how to utilize limited floor space three-dimensionally and increase picking efficiency while ensuring worker safety. This article focuses on “ladders,” which are indispensable for managing inventory at high locations. It explains utilization techniques that can be immediately applied on-site from three perspectives: space-saving, work speed, and compliance with safety regulations. We will introduce tips to improve productivity while minimizing the risks of working at heights, sharing the quality and safety know-how cultivated by Hasegawa Kogyo, along with case studies from Vietnamese logistics sites.
Challenges and Background
Market Data and Demand Trends
- Rapid Expansion of the Logistics Market: The freight and logistics market in Vietnam is projected to grow to USD 52.06 billion in 2025 and USD 71.88 billion by 2030, expanding at an average annual rate of 6.67%. The demand for cross-border e-commerce and same-day delivery is the biggest driver pushing the market. Source: Mordor Intelligence – Vietnam Freight and Logistics Market
- Increase in Warehouse Floor Space Supporting Ladder Demand: In the major southern industrial zones (Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong Province, etc.), 180,000 m² of new logistics facilities will become operational in the second half of 2024 alone, and the adoption rate of multi-tiered racks has surged by +12 pt compared to the same period last year (JLL Vietnam survey).
- Growth of the Industrial Ladder Market: The global industrial ladder market size was USD 1.03 billion in 2023, and the CAGR for 2024–2032 is a steady 4.1%. The Asia-Pacific region, in particular, exceeded USD 420 million as of 2023 and is expected to see 4.5% growth. The demand for switching to lightweight aluminum and FRP (fiber-reinforced plastic) ladders is notable. Source: Global Industrial Ladders Market – GII Research
- Need for Space-Saving in Warehouse Operations: The storage floor area per SKU in Vietnam is 0.09 m² on average, which is below the ASEAN average (0.12 m²)1. The combination of ladders and high racks to achieve “vertical storage” is expanding. By material, adoption is proceeding in the order of Aluminum > FRP > Steel.
Risks of Working at Heights and Safety Regulations
- Urgency Indicated by Accident Statistics: In 2024, 8,286 occupational accidents were reported, of which 675 were fatal accidents, resulting in 727 casualties. The economic loss reached VND 4.256 trillion (approx. USD 160 million), a serious increase of 26% from the previous year. Source: VietnamPlus – Economic losses from workplace accidents increase by 1 billion USD
- Main Cause: Falls and Slips: According to labor and injury statistics, falls and slips account for 34% of the causes of serious accidents in the manufacturing and warehousing sectors, and the average number of days off work is 45 days, about 1.6 times that of other causes. Cases where protective equipment was omitted, particularly for “short-duration work,” are conspicuous.
- Updates to Legal Regulations: The Construction Safety Technical Regulation QCVN 18:2021/BXD mandates the installation of ① safety handrails, ② fall prevention nets, and ③ ladders/scaffolding for work at heights of 2.0 m or more from the work floor. It also clearly states that if it is impossible to install handrails, the use of fall arrest equipment (full-body harness) is mandatory. Source: LawNet – QCVN 18:2021/BXD Working at Height Safety Requirements
- Corporate Safety Management Obligations: The same regulation also requires employee education and health monitoring, and failure to comply may result in an administrative penalty of up to VND 50 million from the Department of Labour. The digitization of on-site inspection and ladder inspection records is effective as compliance evidence.
Product & Service Introduction
Features (Integration with Space-Saving, Material Selection, Efficiency & Safety Measures)
CS Callister — A portable work platform that can be moved quickly without a forklift
- Maximum top plate height of 1.87 m / working range of approx. 3.8 m.
- Standard equipment includes handrails on both sides + 75 mm casters for safe movement, and it folds to a thickness of 36 cm for space-saving storage.
- Made of lightweight aluminum (mass 17–28 kg), with a maximum use mass of 100 kg, making it ideal for warehouse picking. Source: Hasegawa Kogyo “CS Callister” product page
DB Light Step — A heavy-duty multi-stage work platform
- Top plate thickness +10 mm to suppress bending. The highest model has a top plate height of 1.5 m and a load capacity of 150 kg.
- 18 model variations make it easy to match rack heights.
- Rubber feet + ribbed top plate prevent slipping and reduce fatigue even with repeated ascending and descending. Source: Hasegawa Kogyo “DB Light Step” product page
DanCargo — A foldable & stackable storage unit
- Patented “OUT–IN” connection allows assembly by 1 person in 1 minute, with a static safety load of 4 t.
- When not in use, it can be stored inside the lid → stacking reduces storage area by ▲65%.
- With 38 color variations and custom dimensions, it promotes 5S (Seiri–Seiton–Seiso–Seiketsu–Shitsuke) at logistics bases. Source: Hasegawa Kogyo “DanCargo” product page
Hasegawa’s Reliability
Quality Management & Certification
Hasegawa Kogyo’s main domestic factory (Yamato-Takada City, Nara Prefecture) has acquired dual certification for ISO 9001 (Registration No. 0826) and ISO 14001 (Registration No. E2533) and is managed by a QC process chart with 73 items from raw material acceptance to final appearance inspection. Furthermore, for JIS standard products, as a JIS certified factory, it undergoes an external audit every year and submits strength and durability test data to a third-party organization. Products for safety tools have acquired the SG Mark (Consumer Product Safety Association), and the results of fracture load tests and corrosion resistance tests are made public. Although the Vietnam factory is not subject to ISO, it has introduced the same inspection jigs and calibration system as the Japan headquarters and achieved an in-process defect rate of 0.37% (FY2024).
Source: Hasegawa Kogyo Corporate Information
Custom Order & Support System
The Tokuchu Shokunin (Custom-Made) Service handles everything from dimensional changes of existing models to fully custom work platforms. Custom orders based on catalog models can be delivered in as little as 2 weeks. By combining 3D CAD and an AR Viewer (iOS/Android), design adjustments can be made while checking the real size on-site.
Source: Hasegawa Kogyo Custom Order
For after-sales service, a trilingual support desk in Japanese, English, and Vietnamese has been established, offering:
- Product selection and safety training ( 120 sessions / FY2024)
- Downloading of inspection sheets and instruction manuals
- Sales of repair parts such as rope and leg rubber replacements
- A periodic inspection program every 6 months (visit + report submission)
Various manuals, Q&A, and free reinforcement modification information can be obtained from the “Support” menu on the official website.
Source: Hasegawa Kogyo Support Page
Conclusion
Quality management backed by ISO 9001/14001, safety certified by JIS and SG, custom orders deliverable in as little as two weeks, on-site fit verification with an AR viewer, and a trilingual support desk with a periodic inspection program—these are the three pillars that support Hasegawa’s logistics solutions. The proven track record of a 0.37% failure rate after installation also supports the long-term return on investment. With your warehouse layout drawings and work flow in hand, please first consult with the Hasegawa Vietnam sales team. Please also make use of the links for ISO certificates, the Tokuchu Shokunin catalog, and inspection sheets.