---
title: "Staying Safe on Stairs and Ladders: Lessons from CSM Group's Safety Roundtable"
description: CSM Group recently held a safety roundtable meeting focused on the important topic of stairs and ladders.
image: https://www.csmgroup.com/hubfs/iStock-1384611950.jpg
---
[Skip to content](https://www.csmgroup.com/insights/staying-safe-on-stairs-and-ladders#main-content)
- [CAREERS](https://www.csmgroup.com/careers)
- [TRADE PARTNERS](https://www.csmgroup.com/trade-partners)
[ Close ](https://www.csmgroup.com/insights/staying-safe-on-stairs-and-ladders#)
- [About](https://www.csmgroup.com/about-us)
- [Our Culture](https://www.csmgroup.com/about-us/our-culture)
- [Total Human Health](https://www.csmgroup.com/about-us/total-human-health)
- [Technology and Innovation](https://www.csmgroup.com/about-us/technology-innovation)
- [Community Engagement](https://www.csmgroup.com/about-us/community-engagement)
- [Our History](https://www.csmgroup.com/about-us/our-history)
- [Join Our Team](https://www.csmgroup.com/careers)
- [Solutions](https://www.csmgroup.com/solutions)
- [Construction Management](https://www.csmgroup.com/solutions/construction-management)
- [Project and Program Services](https://www.csmgroup.com/solutions/project-program-services)
- [Preconstruction](https://www.csmgroup.com/solutions/preconstruction)
- [Field-Ready VDC](https://www.csmgroup.com/vdc-for-trades)
- [Sectors](https://www.csmgroup.com/sectors)
- [Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals](https://www.csmgroup.com/sectors/biotech-pharma)
- [Food and Beverage](https://www.csmgroup.com/sectors/food-and-beverage)
- [Advanced Manufacturing](https://www.csmgroup.com/sectors/advanced-manufacturing)
- [Commercial Property](https://www.csmgroup.com/sectors/commercial-property)
- [Healthcare](https://www.csmgroup.com/sectors/healthcare)
- [K-12 and Higher Education](https://www.csmgroup.com/sectors/k12-higher-education)
- [Projects](https://www.csmgroup.com/projects)
- [Insights](https://www.csmgroup.com/insights)
[Contact Us](https://www.csmgroup.com/contact)
[](https://csmgroup.com)
- [About](https://www.csmgroup.com/about-us)
- [Our Culture](https://www.csmgroup.com/about-us/our-culture)
- [Total Human Health](https://www.csmgroup.com/about-us/total-human-health)
- [Technology and Innovation](https://www.csmgroup.com/about-us/technology-innovation)
- [Community Engagement](https://www.csmgroup.com/about-us/community-engagement)
- [Our History](https://www.csmgroup.com/about-us/our-history)
- [Join Our Team](https://www.csmgroup.com/careers)
- [Solutions](https://www.csmgroup.com/solutions)
- [Construction Management](https://www.csmgroup.com/solutions/construction-management)
- [Project and Program Services](https://www.csmgroup.com/solutions/project-program-services)
- [Preconstruction](https://www.csmgroup.com/solutions/preconstruction)
- [Field-Ready VDC](https://www.csmgroup.com/vdc-for-trades)
- [Sectors](https://www.csmgroup.com/sectors)
- [Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals](https://www.csmgroup.com/sectors/biotech-pharma)
- [Food and Beverage](https://www.csmgroup.com/sectors/food-and-beverage)
- [Advanced Manufacturing](https://www.csmgroup.com/sectors/advanced-manufacturing)
- [Commercial Property](https://www.csmgroup.com/sectors/commercial-property)
- [Healthcare](https://www.csmgroup.com/sectors/healthcare)
- [K-12 and Higher Education](https://www.csmgroup.com/sectors/k12-higher-education)
- [Projects](https://www.csmgroup.com/projects)
- [Insights](https://www.csmgroup.com/insights)
[Contact Us](https://www.csmgroup.com/contact)
[Katrina Reed, CIT, LEED Green Associate](https://www.csmgroup.com/insights/author/katrina-reed)December 18, 20241 min read
# Staying Safe on Stairs and Ladders: Lessons from CSM Group's Safety Roundtable
[Previous ](https://www.csmgroup.com/insights/csm-group-celebrates-achievements-at-annual-awards-ceremony)
[Next ](https://www.csmgroup.com/insights/navigating-oshas-2025-regulatory-changes)
Staying Safe on Stairs and Ladders: Lessons from CSM Group's Safety Roundtable
1:59
CSM Group recently held a safety roundtable meeting focused on the important topic of stairs and ladders. As common tools used daily on our job sites and personal lives, we must understand the proper safety protocols to prevent serious injuries.
Here are the top takeaways from the discussion:
**Ladder Safety is Paramount
**Ladders may seem like simple equipment, but improper use can have devastating consequences. The group reviewed OSHA's ladder safety standards, emphasizing the importance of:
- Inspecting ladders before each use for any cracks, loose rungs, or other defects
- Setting up extension ladders at the proper 4:1 angle
- Maintaining 3 points of contact and keeping your belt buckle between the rails
- Using the right ladder for the job - step ladders, extension ladders, etc.
- Providing comprehensive ladder safety training for all employees
**Stairway Design and Maintenance
**Stairs are another area where safety must be the top priority. The group discussed OSHA requirements around stairway installation, including:
- Maintaining the proper 30-50 degree angle from horizontal
- Ensuring uniform tread depths and riser heights to prevent trips
- Installing sturdy handrails on any stairway with four or more risers or 30+ inches in height
- Keeping stairways clear of slip, trip, and fall hazards
**Using Alternative Access Solutions
**For unique access challenges, the group highlighted some alternative ladder and stair options, such as:
- Adjustable, custom-built stairs for areas with limited space
- Extension trestle ladders that provide a stable, height-adjustable platform
- Lean Safe hybrid ladders that offer both straight and step ladder functionality
The key takeaway is that safety should always come first when working at heights at home, work, and play. Following proper protocols and using the right equipment can prevent serious injuries and keep ourselves and our crews safe.
[Katrina Reed, CIT, LEED Green Associate
](https://www.csmgroup.com/insights/author/katrina-reed)Katrina Reed is the Senior Director of Marketing & Sales at CSM Group. For all media inquiries, please contact her at katrina.reed@csmgroup.com.
[mailto:katrina.reed@csmgroup.com](mailto:katrina.reed@csmgroup.com)
## RELATED ARTICLES
[.png?width=188&name=CSM%20Group%20-%20Solid%20White%20(1).png)](https://csmgroup.com)
CSM Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
- [Careers](https://www.csmgroup.com/careers)
- [Contact Us](https://www.csmgroup.com/contact)
©️ 2026 CSM Group, Inc.
- [Terms of Use](https://www.csmgroup.com/terms-of-use)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.csmgroup.com/privacy-policy)
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "Organization",
"address" : {
"@type" : "PostalAddress",
"addressCountry" : "USA",
"addressLocality" : "Kalamazoo",
"addressRegion" : "MI",
"postalCode" : "49007",
"streetAddress" : "600 East Michigan Avenue"
},
"knowsLanguage" : "en",
"logo" : {
"@type" : "ImageObject",
"url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/4309799/CSM%20Group%20-%20Solid%20Black.png"
},
"name" : "CSM Group",
"url" : "https://www.csmgroup.com/insights/staying-safe-on-stairs-and-ladders"
}
```
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "BlogPosting",
"abstract" : "CSM Group recently held a safety roundtable meeting focused on the important topic of stairs and ladders.",
"author" : {
"@type" : "Person",
"name" : "Katrina Reed, CIT, LEED Green Associate"
},
"dateModified" : "December 18, 2024 2 PM",
"datePublished" : "December 18, 2024 2 PM",
"headline" : "Staying Safe on Stairs and Ladders: Lessons from CSM Group's Safety Roundtable",
"image" : "https://4309799.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4309799/iStock-1384611950.jpg",
"inLanguage" : "en",
"keywords" : "[Safety and Health]",
"mainEntityOfPage" : {
"@type" : "WebPage"
},
"name" : "Staying Safe on Stairs and Ladders: Lessons from CSM Group's Safety Roundtable",
"publisher" : {
"@type" : "Organization",
"logo" : {
"@type" : "ImageObject",
"url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/4309799/CSM%20Group%20-%20Solid%20Black.png"
},
"name" : "CSM Group"
},
"text" : "CSM Group recently held a safety roundtable meeting focused on the important topic of stairs and ladders. As common tools used daily on our job sites and personal lives, we must understand the proper safety protocols to prevent serious injuries. Here are the top takeaways from the discussion: Ladder Safety is Paramount Ladders may seem like simple equipment, but improper use can have devastating consequences. The group reviewed OSHA's ladder safety standards, emphasizing the importance of: Inspecting ladders before each use for any cracks, loose rungs, or other defects Setting up extension ladders at the proper 4:1 angle Maintaining 3 points of contact and keeping your belt buckle between the rails Using the right ladder for the job - step ladders, extension ladders, etc. Providing comprehensive ladder safety training for all employees Stairway Design and Maintenance Stairs are another area where safety must be the top priority. The group discussed OSHA requirements around stairway installation, including: Maintaining the proper 30-50 degree angle from horizontal Ensuring uniform tread depths and riser heights to prevent trips Installing sturdy handrails on any stairway with four or more risers or 30+ inches in height Keeping stairways clear of slip, trip, and fall hazards Using Alternative Access Solutions For unique access challenges, the group highlighted some alternative ladder and stair options, such as: Adjustable, custom-built stairs for areas with limited space Extension trestle ladders that provide a stable, height-adjustable platform Lean Safe hybrid ladders that offer both straight and step ladder functionality The key takeaway is that safety should always come first when working at heights at home, work, and play. Following proper protocols and using the right equipment can prevent serious injuries and keep ourselves and our crews safe.",
"url" : "https://www.csmgroup.com/insights/staying-safe-on-stairs-and-ladders",
"wordCount" : "428"
}
```
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "BlogPosting",
"author" : {
"@type" : "Person",
"name" : "Katrina Reed, CIT, LEED Green Associate",
"url" : "https://www.csmgroup.com/insights/author/katrina-reed"
},
"dateModified" : "2024-12-18T14:49:49.955Z",
"datePublished" : "2024-12-18T14:49:49.000Z",
"headline" : "Staying Safe on Stairs and Ladders: Lessons from CSM Group's Safety Roundtable",
"image" : [ "https://www.csmgroup.com/hubfs/iStock-1384611950.jpg" ],
"mainEntityOfPage" : {
"@id" : "https://www.csmgroup.com/insights/staying-safe-on-stairs-and-ladders",
"@type" : "WebPage"
},
"publisher" : {
"@type" : "Organization",
"logo" : {
"@type" : "ImageObject",
"url" : "https://www.csmgroup.com/hubfs/CSM%20Group%20-%20Solid%20Black.png"
},
"name" : "CSM Group"
}
}
```