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Anchor Points 
Pre-engineered or custom anchor points for many different applications.
Cable-Based Lifelines
Horizontal and vertical cable lifeline systems, for travel restraint or fall arrest.
Catwalks
Provide safe and easy access to elevated work stations while mitigating fall hazards.
Confined Space & Rescue
Equipment for access in confined spaces, or to allow for prompt worker rescue.
Ladder Systems
Safety systems designed to keep users on ladders protected from falls.
Loading Platforms, Stairs & Gangways
Passive safety systems that protect workers no matter what they need to access.
Portable Fall Protection
Systems that can be moved or stored as needed, for ultimate flexibility.
Rigid Rail Systems
In areas with minimal fall clearance, rigid rail systems are the solution.
Roof Fall Protection
Systems to protect rooftop workers from inboard and outboard fall hazards.
Roof Guardrail & Safety Railing
Passive safety solutions that don't require special training or regular inspections & testing to be compliant.
Suspended Access & Window Washing
Anchorage products, davits, monorails, and rigging sleeves for window washing and suspended access maintenance.

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If your worker is subject to a fall while on the job, Diversified has a solution. We can design, engineer, fabricate, and install fall protection systems for any application.

Aircraft & Aerospace
Proven fall protection solutions for aviation maintenance and manufacturing.
Construction
Permanent and temporary fall protection solutions for construction applications.
Feed & Grain
Solutions for feed & grain worker protection during storage, maintenance, transportation, and more.
Government & Military
Fall protection solutions for government and military installations, including aircraft hangars, rooftops, and more.
Healthcare & Education
Systems for hospitals, schools, universities, and more.
Industrial Applications
Versatile safety systems for industrial facilities.
Oil, Gas, & Chemical
Protect at-height workers on silos, towers, pipe racks, drilling platforms, rigs, and more.
Retail Fall Protection Equipment
Systems to protect workers at shopping and retail centers.
Road & Rail
Railcar, truck, and bus fall protection solutions.
Ship & Barge
Fall protection for ships & barges transporting oil, grain, materials, and more.
Stadiums, Arenas, & Convention Centers
Keep workers and visitors safe while protecting aesthetics at any large venue.
Steel & Foundry
Fall protection solutions for foundry and steel mill applications, including crane rails & more.
Suspended Access & Window Washing
Anchors, outriggers & rigging sleeves, davit systems, and more for suspended access.
Utilities & Energy
Systems for power plants, solar and wind generation, and more.
Data Centers
Systems that protect workers maintaining critically important data equipment. 

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Not sure which system you need? Find the right solution for your application by industry.

Fall Hazard Assessment
A fall protection expert can visit your site to assess all fall hazards and ensure nothing is missed.
Design & Engineering
Our in-house P.E.s and structural engineers design application-specific fall protection systems to meet your specific needs.
Guardrail Rental
Only need to ensure safety for a temporary job or construction project? Diversified offers OSHA-compliant guardrail rental to keep you compliant without needing to purchase a full system.
Fabrication
While we have excellent relationships with many suppliers, we also have the capability to design custom products & solutions for a variety of applications.
Installation
Diversified has a network of installers nationwide who will ensure your system is installed correctly.
Training
Required Authorized User & Competent Person training, performed onsite to avoid workplace disruptions.
Inspections & Recertification
We will perform federally mandated annual inspections, or regular required recertification & testing of systems. When we inspect systems, we assume all liability for its proper functioning.
SIT Services for California
OPOS creation, suspended access inspection, letters of written assurance, and more

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Diversified will perform all necessary services to keep your site compliant, and provides and stores all documentation about its performance as required by OSHA.

OSHA & ANSI Regulations
A breakdown of current OSHA regulations and ANSI standards and how you can ensure your compliance
Product Literature
Access our full spec sheet library to learn more about our fall protection products and systems.
ROI Calculator
Get a general idea of how much a single workplace accident can end up costing.

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Learn about fall protection every week in our free educational webinars! Most are eligible for AIA continuing education credit.

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Ladder Safety Regulations Have Changed—Here's How To Stay Compliant
30 Jan, 2025 Diversified Education Team

Ladder Safety Regulations Have Changed—Here's How To Stay Compliant

 

In 2016, OSHA introduced significant updates to its walking-working surface standard, marking one of the most extensive revisions in decades. These changes included new requirements for employee training, routine system inspections, and, notably, enhanced ladder safety regulations. One of the most impactful changes was the requirement that all new fixed ladders over 24 feet be equipped with a personal fall arrest system, such as a vertical lifeline system. This regulation applies to ladders installed after 2018. However, for ladders installed before that date, OSHA provided a phased compliance approach, allowing businesses until 2036 to transition away from traditional ladder safety systems like cages and wells in favor of personal fall protection systems.

Alternatives to a Ladder Cage

Ladder cages were originally designed to provide limited protection by preventing workers from falling backward or sideways off a ladder. However, real-world incidents have shown that cages are largely ineffective at preventing serious injuries or fatalities from falls. As a result, OSHA no longer considers them a compliant standalone safety solution for ladders.

The modern and safer alternative to a ladder cage is a personal fall arrest system specifically designed for ladders. These systems typically come in the form of vertical lifeline systems, which allow a worker to attach to the system before climbing. If a fall occurs, the system detects the fall and arrests it quickly, minimizing the risk of injury. Compared to ladder cages, these systems offer superior protection and are now considered the best practice for ladder safety.

Are Ladder Cages Required Anymore?

No, ladder cages are no longer required if the ladder is over 24 feet and is equipped with a personal fall arrest system. The updated OSHA regulations have effectively phased out ladder cages as a primary means of fall protection, requiring the use of more effective personal fall arrest systems instead.

Do I Need to Remove My Ladder Cage After Installing a Ladder Fall Arrest System?

Technically, OSHA does not mandate the removal of existing ladder cages if a compliant fall arrest system is in place. However, there are considerations to keep in mind. OSHA states that ladder cages may remain "provided that the cage or well does not interfere with the operation of the system."

Some safety professionals argue that ladder cages can interfere with the proper function of a fall arrest system. For example, a cage might impede or slow the activation of the system, which could delay or prevent a proper arrest. Additionally, there is a risk that a falling worker may strike the cage, leading to secondary injuries such as head trauma or broken limbs. Due to these concerns, many companies opt to remove ladder cages after installing a vertical lifeline or other fall arrest system to ensure optimal safety and proper functioning of the new system.

Proactively Updating Ladder Safety Systems

Employers that take worker safety seriously should not wait until the 2036 deadline to update their ladder safety systems. While OSHA provides a grace period for compliance, businesses that proactively implement personal fall arrest systems demonstrate a commitment to worker safety and reduce the risk of accidents. Investing in modern fall protection solutions now can help prevent injuries, lower liability, and create a culture of safety within the organization. Additionally, updating safety systems early can spread out costs over time and prevent the last-minute rush to comply as the deadline approaches. Forward-thinking employers recognize that workplace safety is an ongoing responsibility, not just a regulatory requirement.

Final Thoughts

The landscape of ladder safety has changed dramatically in recent years, and companies must adapt to these new standards to protect workers and remain compliant. Ladder cages, once seen as a safety measure, are now considered outdated and ineffective. The industry best practice is to install a compliant personal fall arrest system on any fixed ladder over 24 feet and consider removing existing cages that may interfere with these systems. By taking proactive steps now, employers can ensure a safer working environment while staying ahead of regulatory deadlines.

 

Schedule an assessment with Diversified Fall Protection

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