Webster's unabridged dictionary defines the verb "innovate" as "to introduce something new, or make changes in anything established." This article explores five ladder innovations designed to make ladders safer, more versatile, and easier to use.

Almost 40 years ago I bought my first ladder. It was easy, or so I thought. I bought a ladder several months ago, and it was far more difficult to select what I wanted. For some contractors, purchasing ladders can be a challenge. Their contractor supply house may carry one brand and the big box lumberyard still another. The mail order catalogs are filled with even more. Certain sizes may be available but not stocked in all rated load classes or sizes. Other contractors make the task simple: "Just buy a ladder, throw it on the truck, and get back to work."

With over $850 million in annual sales, the 10 major U.S. ladder manufacturers provide dozens of styles and sizes of fixed and portable ladders for users ranging from the handyman to those engaged in heavy commercial construction. The American Ladder Institute (www.americanladderinstitute.org) estimates that about 500,000 ladder accidents occur annually in this country, resulting in almost one fatality every day of the year and accounting for $11 billion in injury costs. The majority of these accidents are directly attributable to two factors: improper ladder selection and misuse. While purchasing the right ladder can help abate the former hazard, not every task on the jobsite can be performed easily and safely without implementing some creative innovations.