Introduction
This article is for managers and safety officers in the manufacturing, construction, and logistics industries. It explains the risks of tipping and slipping that lurk when setting up stepladders and work platforms on uneven or sloped floor surfaces, and it details the measures to prevent them. We will begin by understanding the background of these issues based on on-site data, then organize the instability factors identified through laser measurements and practical verifications. We will introduce stabilization design methods such as levelers, stabilizers, and fixing (lashing) step-by-step, and present selection criteria from Hasegawa’s perspective of pursuing both quality and safety. We provide practical know-how to support the creation of a zero-accident workplace. Through specific product spec comparisons and case studies, we will assist in optimizing designs for your site. Based on this knowledge, let’s build a safer and more efficient work environment.
Issues and Background
The Dangers of Working on Uneven Ground as Seen in Occupational Accident Data
Occupational accidents in Vietnam are becoming more serious. In 2024, there were 8,286 occupational accidents nationwide, an increase of 892 cases (about 12%) from the previous year. The number of victims reached 8,472 (up 919, about 12% from the previous year), including 727 fatalities (up 28 from the previous year) and 1,690 serious injuries (down 30 from the previous year).
The economic losses from accidents in the same year reached 43 trillion VND (approximately 1.68 billion USD), primarily due to medical and compensation costs, equipment damage, and opportunity loss from production stoppages. These disasters are concentrated in the construction, manufacturing, and logistics industries. The construction industry, in particular, which involves a lot of work at heights, shows a high ratio of fatal and serious accidents. According to a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the construction industry accounts for about 20% of all occupational accident fatalities, with “falls” being the main cause.
Serious Accidents and Economic Losses Caused by Tipping of Stepladders and Work Platforms
On uneven or sloped floor surfaces, the load on the four corners of a stepladder or work platform becomes uneven, making it easier for slipping or rotation to occur where frictional force is weak. A survey by the CSA Group reported that 12% of stepladder accidents are caused by unstable setup (on uneven or sloped surfaces).
Furthermore, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also considers uneven setup as a major risk factor for tipping and mandates the use of ladders on flat surfaces. Accidents can lead to serious injuries such as fractures and spinal cord injuries. In fact, in 2022 in the United States, 865 people died in fall-related accidents. Moreover, such accidents account for 12-15% of workers’ compensation costs, with an average compensation cost of about 40,000 USD per case. When including equipment damage and production line stoppages, the economic losses are enormous.
Product and Service Introduction
Hasegawa provides a solution package combining levelers, stabilizers, and fixing (lashing) to enhance work stability on uneven and sloped floors.
Features
- Leveler: Attaches to the legs of stepladders or work platforms and accommodates floor slopes of ±30° (7/12 pitch). It can support a maximum load of 227 kg. A click-type fine-tuning mechanism allows for quick leveling in 0.5° increments per step. Installation is speedy, taking only 2 seconds per leg.
- Stabilizer: The 3-point claw plate structure firmly grips uneven ground, and the friction pad suppresses slipping. It comes with a width adjustment function (300-500 mm) to fit various stepladders and demonstrates stability even under high loads.
- Fixing (Lashing): The high-strength polyester lashing belt has a minimum breaking strength of 500 kg. By using a three-point lashing system with Proof-tested D-rings that can handle up to 1,632 kg, the load is evenly distributed, reducing the tension on each leg to 1/√3.
Case Studies (Before → Action → After)
- Case A (Manufacturing Plant)
- Before: On a floor with a 3° slope, stepladders frequently slipped, causing constant work interruptions.
- Action: A full set of levelers, lashing, and dedicated stabilizers was introduced.
- After: Post-installation slippage was eliminated, work efficiency improved by 18%, and zero accidents were achieved.
- Case B (Logistics Warehouse)
- Before: On a floor with 20 mm of unevenness, the work platform wobbled, leading to frequent near-misses for workers.
- Action: A high-load compatible stabilizer was adopted and secured with lashing.
- After: Stability improved by 25%, and maintenance costs were reduced, ensuring continued safety.
Hasegawa’s Reliability
Thorough Quality Management System Backed by ISO Certification
Hasegawa Kogyo Co., Ltd. has obtained and integrated ISO 9001/ISO 14001 at its domestic factories (Osaka, Gunma, Nishiwaki) and undergoes annual external audits from Quacert, a certification body under STAMEQ. The Vietnam factory (established in 2013) has also established a quality management system based on the national standard TCVN ISO 9001:2015, achieving a quality non-conformance rate of 0.08%.
With the quality policy “Putting customer peace of mind first, we constantly pursue quality and safety,” the company holds monthly quality meetings. Two internal audits per year conducted by 20 internal auditors maintain a 100% corrective action completion rate. In product development, three design reviews and FEM analysis (with a correlation coefficient R² ≥ 0.98 against actual static load tests) are conducted, with a safety factor of 1.5 or higher as the standard.
Customization and Support System to Solve On-site Issues
HASEGAWA VIET NAM COMPANY LIMITED has 8 engineers on-site and offers free floor unevenness measurement services using a 3D laser scanner, as well as CAD/3D model design services. The production capacity for custom-made products is 1,000 units per month, with an average delivery time of within 15 business days.
The after-sales service includes a 24-hour hotline and a 6-month free inspection and on-site re-evaluation. The company submits 50 on-site technical support reports annually, and the product improvement cycle based on customer feedback averages within 3 months, with a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 65. It also provides design guidelines compliant with the Vietnamese Industrial Standard TCVN 6393:2008 (Safety standard for stepladders and ladders) and has a track record of over 80 successful implementations.
Conclusion
This article has explained the optimal design steps to reduce the risk of tipping and slipping when setting up stepladders and work platforms on uneven or sloped floors. First, accurately assess the floor condition with laser measurement. Then, use a leveler to quickly correct slopes of up to ±30°. Next, increase the friction of the contact surface with a stabilizer to prevent slipping even on uneven ground. Finally, use high-strength lashing belts to evenly distribute and secure the load on each leg. This three-stage approach realizes a safe and efficient work environment at heights. For detailed technical documents, free on-site diagnostics, or to request a product catalog, please visit the official Hasegawa Vietnam website.