First incorporated in 1947, the American Ladder Institute (ALI) has emerged as the national trade association representing America's ladder industry, which generates in excess of $850 million in sales annually.

ALI was founded to serve primarily as a national meeting ground for small, family-owned, wood ladder businesses. ALI provide the structure that the wood ladder industry needed to organize the first ladder safety standards and education programs.  Today, ALI continues this tradition by assisting in the development of the ladder industry safety standards' booklets.

In 1965, after nearly 20 years of serving the wood ladder industry exclusively, ALI invited metal ladder manufacturers to join the organization. The metal ladder industry brought with it advancements in engineering and technology. Eventually, ALI expanded further to include the fiberglass ladder industry.

As the ladder industry has evolved over the past 50 years, so has ALI.  Many of the small, family owned businesses have joined forces and become large manufacturers.  ALI has incorporated the industry's new needs into its meetings and conferences focusing on topics ranging from ladder safety, to proper ladder usage on television and in movies, to employee and business focused management guidance.

"The leading ladder manufacturers and their suppliers, both large and small, look to ALI as their common voice for the industry", said Executive Director Ron Pietrzak. "ALI's guidance will successfully lead the ladder industry into the next century."

The ALI Mission

ALI's mission is to educate the public as to the selection, care, and safe use of ladders and develop and disseminate the appropriate standards for design, construction, testing, care and use of ladders.

ALI Committees

ALI's objectives are configured through a strong committee structure and an active Board of Directors.  The committee activity and efforts are structured as follows:

• Conference
• Product Liability
• Material Supply
• Ladder Safety Education & Education
• Standards
• Associates

Ladder Safety and Education

Improving Ladder Safety on a National Scale

Ladder safety is often an overlooked lesson.  Over 500,000 people each year are injured by falls involving ladders.  Most of these incidents occur because the victims violate the basic rules of ladder safety.  As an educator, it is ALI's goal to provide safety information to ladder users.

The American Ladder Institute shares your safety concerns.  That is why ALI has devised a fun and informative Ladder Safety Teaching Unit entitled "Ladder Dude" to assist in instructing children on the importance of ladder safety.

The kit consists of five lessons, which are divided into five daily lesson plans for teachers:

Lesson 1: Ladders are Tools
Lesson 2: How to Set Up a Ladder Safely
Lesson 3: How to Climb a Ladder
Lesson 4: How to Move a Ladder
Lesson 5: Safe Ways to Use Your Ladder

Each lesson incorporates fun, easy ways to remember ladder safety tips.  We realize that education on proper ladder use promotes a safer environment for children.  This lesson encourages children to be conscious of their surrounding environments and prepares them to handle ladder safety hazards.

Allied Associations Answering the Call

ALI and The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) have put in place safety guidelines to follow when using a ladder.  A brochure entitled, Climb It Safe, shows key points to keep in mind when using a ladder.  All labels on the ladder should be read carefully.  Some basic rules are:

• Use the correct ladder — Be sure to choose the correct length and duty rating.
• Never use a ladder if it is damaged, broken or bent.
• In setting up a ladder make sure the feet of the ladder are on firm, even ground.
• Take your time when working with ladders — don't be in a rush to finish a job.
• If you feel dizzy or tired, stay off a ladder.

Each year, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports there are over 500,000 people treated in emergency rooms, doctors' offices and clinics due to not following proper safety precautions when using a ladder.  Most of the injuries are cuts, bruises and fractured bones.  However, according to the CPSC, more than 300 people a year die from injuries related to ladder use.

By following proper safety guidelines, many of these injuries and deaths could be prevented.

Standards & Communication

Setting the Standard for Excellence in Ladder Manufacturing

The American Ladder Institute's primary goal is to encourage ladder safety.  ALI ensures this by cooperating in the development of the ladder industry Standards. 

The Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) A14, accredited by ANSI, assumes the responsibility for developing the Standards governing safe design, construction, testing, selection, care, and use of ladders.  This committee has established solid and professional working relationships across a broad spectrum of interests and disciplines.  This includes, but is not limited to, the following commonly-used ladders: fixed, job built, portable (extension, step, extension trestle, sectional, combination, single, platform, and ladder type step stools).  It also includes the fulfillment of labeling and marking requirements.

There are several ASC A14 Standards on ladder safety, which include the following: Portable Wooden Ladders, Portable Metal Ladder, Fixed Ladders, Job-Made Ladders, Reinforced Plastic Ladders, Rolling Ladders, Ladder Accessories, Disappearing Attic Stairways, Special Duty Ladders, and Utility Step Stools.  These Standards are available to you through ALI at (312)644-6610.

Mastering Communications

The ALI Newsletter

Ladderlines, the members' number-one quarterly means of communication, offers in-depth, immediately applicable information on industry trends, analysis, legal issues, and day-to-day employee and business focused management guidance. Ladderlines is the official newsletter of the American Ladder Institute.

Making an Impact in the Public Forum

ALI actively positions the positive aspects of ladder use and safety in the public forum with its extensive media relations outreach program.

Working hand-in-hand with consumer media, such as the Wall Street Journal and Consumer Report , and trade media such as Professional Safety Magazine — ALI aggressively responds to inaccurate information and/or graphic images about ladder use and safety.

And, when the ladder industry receives outstanding publicity, the membership is informed through its regular member communication — the Ladderlines newsletter.

The ALI Annual Convention

Each year, ALI holds its Spring Convention. It is a forum for education, expertise and networking. Amongst those who attend are representatives of ALI's member-companies; the biggest and best in the industry. All of ALI's events, committees, and initiatives are announced bi-monthly in Ladderlines.

Upcoming ALI Conferences

For information on any of these meetings, call ALI Headquarters at

312-644-6610
Janet Rapp Ext. 5769