As can be clearly seen from this review, there are Pros to Platform Step Ladders, but there are also some Cons. Are Platform Step Ladders safer than regular step ladders? Are they more practical?  I am not convinced that they are, but you can judge for yourself.

 

I believe that forcing workers to use Platform Step Ladders, instead of regular step ladders, is really a "bandaid approach", and does nothing to address the root of the safety problem on job sites, and that is the workers themselves.

I sincerely believe that it is not necessarily the item used, whether it be a ladder or any other equipment, but rather the user that ultimately determines the safety of the job site. Hence, proper training of workers is essential to ongoing safety, in getting them to recognize safety hazards and to avoid them.  

 

A good example of this is a skill saw, which if used incorrectly, can be very dangerous. That is probably why it is called a "skill" saw because the user requires skill, or proper training, to prevent serious injury. Likewise, proper training on how to work safely in the workplace should be paramount. This can be accomplished through courses, training videos, and on-site mentoring and monitoring.

It is the personal opinion of the author, who has had nearly 20 years of hands-on experience in the construction industry, that training trades people to actively think and be fully aware of their surroundings, as well as learn good work ethics and practices would be a much wiser investment of time and money.

 

Safety is good, even essential, but the major question remains: Is the most efficient way to safety through equipment, or is it through proper training? Safety equiment does nothing to train a worker to actively think and act safely!  It actually removes the necessity to think. While a certain amount of safety equipment in the workplace is indeed essential, to have a worker work with safety equipment does not actually teach skill. It is only through proper training that ultimate safety in the workplace can be achieved. It is also viral, meaning that it can spread, for the benefit of all.

 

But that is just my opinion, and you do not have to agree with me.

However, that being said, if you choose to use Platform Step Ladders, or are being forced to use them due to authoratative powers over which you have no control, then I hope that this web site will help you to see areas where you need to exercise extra care, attention and caution in their use to prevent injury to either yourself or others.

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To help you in deciding what type of Platform Step Ladder you may require, you might like to visit our Extra Information page that briefly outlines how platform step ladders are generally measured, the various weight ratings, and whether to buy aluminum or firberglass.

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To buy Platform Step Ladders, regular ladders, or other equipment for the workplace, please see our menu on the left.