Introduction (Target Audience, Issues, Key Points)
While telescopic ladders offer excellent storage and portability, they are products that require meticulous attention to design and usage methods to ensure safety. Particularly in workplaces where work at heights is common, such as in manufacturing, construction, and logistics, the stability and safety design of ladders can be a matter of life and death for workers. This article will use telescopic ladder recall cases to clarify the risks posed by faulty locking mechanisms and inadequate markings, and explain design improvement points to prevent accidents. Furthermore, it will introduce the safety measures and quality control initiatives practiced by Hasegawa Kogyo, providing practical knowledge that safety and procurement managers on-site can reference.
Issues and Background
Market Data
In Vietnam and Japan, telescopic ladders are widely used not only in the housing equipment and construction industries but also in various other settings like logistics warehouses and maintenance operations. On the other hand, according to data published by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Consumer Affairs Agency, and the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE), there have been over 20 accident reports related to telescopic ladder recalls annually on average in Japan alone over the past five years. Many of these are attributed to faulty locking mechanisms or incorrect setup [7†source][8†source]. While official statistics are limited in the Vietnamese market, interviews with major construction companies indicate a growing number of reports of poor quality due to imported goods and cheap imitations, raising concerns about accident risks, especially in high-altitude work.
Risk Presentation (Telescopic Ladder Recall Cases)
In actual telescopic ladder recall cases, multiple accidents have occurred where the locking pins disengaged during ascent or descent, causing the steps to suddenly retract and the user to fall [7†source][9†source]. Such accidents have resulted not only in bruises and fractures but also in serious injuries and fatalities from falls of several meters. Furthermore, if the markings on the telescopic sections (indicating the correct extension position or lock confirmation position) are insufficient or worn, there is a risk that users may use the ladder without it being fully locked, even if they believe they have set it up correctly. On-site, work is often performed under time constraints or in adverse weather, making a design that combines both visibility and reliable fastening essential.
Product and Service Introduction
Features
Hasegawa Kogyo’s telescopic ladders, based on past recall cases and market safety needs, come standard with multiple safety features. Representative examples include a “double-locking mechanism” that ensures each section is securely fastened, and high-visibility markings that allow the lock status to be confirmed at a glance. These features significantly reduce the risk of using the ladder without it being fully locked. Additionally, manufacturing complies with standards from the ISO official website, the JIS standards page, and the official TCVN page for Vietnamese national standards, with strength and durability tests conducted at each stage. This ensures stable performance over long periods, even in the harsh environments of construction sites.
Case Study (Before → Action → After)
- Before: At a certain construction site, while using conventional telescopic ladders, there were multiple near-miss incidents due to unstable footing during work. There was a tendency for lock confirmation to be inadequate, especially in rainy weather or dusty environments.
- Action: To improve safety, the site manager introduced Hasegawa’s telescopic ladders with double-locking and durable marking specifications. Concurrently, a pre-use inspection checklist was developed, and worker training was implemented.
- After: Zero accidents were achieved in the 12 months following implementation. Furthermore, the time required for lock confirmation was reduced, and work efficiency improved by about 10%. Workers commented, “The sense of security is completely different.”
Hasegawa’s Reliability
Quality Control and Certifications
Hasegawa Kogyo has obtained ISO 9001 (Quality Management System) and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System) certifications to improve product safety and quality. Based on these standards, quality inspections are carried out at all stages from the acceptance of raw materials to the shipment of finished products, and strength and durability tests by third-party organizations are also conducted periodically. The test results are shared both internally and externally and are used as feedback for product improvement.
Custom Orders and Support System
We also accommodate the manufacturing of custom-made telescopic ladders and stepladders according to on-site working conditions and space constraints. Height, width, tread shape, and load capacity can be customized, and a safety assessment is conducted before delivery. In the unlikely event of a recall, we have a system in place for prompt collection and refunds through a dedicated call center and online reception page [8†source]. This provides an environment where users can continue to use our products with peace of mind.
Conclusion (Key Points / CTA / Related Links)
The safety of telescopic ladders largely depends on the reliability of the locking mechanism and the visibility of the markings. Telescopic ladder recall cases are a warning that reminds us of the importance of design and inspection. Daily pre-inspections and the selection of a reliable manufacturer are directly linked to preventing accidents during work at heights. Hasegawa Kogyo ensures both on-site peace of mind and work efficiency through thorough safety design and quality control. For on-site safety inspections and product selection, please utilize the Hasegawa product catalog and safety manual. Sources: METI Product Safety Page / NITE Product Safety Center