Fixed Ladder Safety & OSHA Updates with Donnie Bowen III
Fall Things Considered
All Fixed Up: A discussion on fixed ladder safety and changing OSHA regulatory updates
Ladders are a common sight in the workplace, but their role as both a tool and a potential hazard cannot be overstated. In this week’s episode of Fall Things Considered, we shed light on ladder safety, a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of fall protection.
Historically, ladder cages were used as a form of fall protection, but as of 2016, OSHA no longer recognizes them as sufficient. Now, all fixed ladders over 24 feet must have a ladder safety system. The deadline for retrofitting these systems was set for 2036, but recent proposals may change this timeline.
Philip discusses the ongoing debate surrounding this regulation, including an article focused on fixed ladder safety & the effectiveness of ladder cages from BIS Safety Software and a petition from the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) advocating for the continued use of ladder cages. This petition raises important questions about safety regulation versus economic efficiency.
This episode’s guest is Donnie Bowen, a territory manager at Diversified Fall Protection who works closely with energy and petrochemical companies in the Gulf Coast region, where the AFPM is based. Donnie emphasizes the importance of understanding the real-world risks workers face and developing compliant, user-friendly, and cost-effective solutions.
"The physics of a fall remain the same, regardless of regulatory changes. It's vital to weigh the cost of compliance against the potential cost of a life." — Donnie Bowen
As regulations evolve, our approach to safety must adapt. With the right equipment and a commitment to proper use, we can significantly reduce the risks associated with ladder use in the workplace.
For more insights and a deeper dive into these discussions, listen to the full episode of Fall Things Considered.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
BIS Safety Software article
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/safety-professionals-weighing-before-osha-decides-rszhc/
AFPM Petition to repeal 2036 Fixed Ladder retrofit deadline
https://www.connmaciel.com/osha-defense-report/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/CMC-Petition-for-Ruemaking-Ladder-Retrofit-Requirements-7-28-25.pdf
Diversified Fall Protection Spec Generator
https://www.fallprotect.com/diversified-fall-protections-spec-generator
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