Protecting Drivers: Why Flatbed Fleets Need Dedicated Trailer Access Ladders
Why Every Flatbed Fleet Should Equip Their Drivers With Access Ladders
For flatbed carriers, keeping drivers safe on and off the trailer is one of the most important responsibilities of fleet management. Every day, drivers step up onto the deck to tarp loads, check securement, adjust straps, or perform routine inspections. And every day, thousands of drivers jump down or climb without a safe access point—creating the perfect conditions for ankle sprains, fractures, knee injuries, and lost-time accidents.
While many safety investments require major training changes or large capital expenditures, there is one solution that offers an immediate impact at a low cost: equipping every flatbed trailer with a dedicated access ladder.
The Real Risk Behind “Simple” Flatbed Tasks
Flatbed work is physically demanding, but most injuries don’t come from the load itself. They come from predictable, repetitive actions—climbing up and down from the trailer. Many drivers rely on:
- Tires
- Rims
- Load edges
- Rub rails
- Landing gear
- Improvised steps
None of these are designed to support safe human access, especially in wet, icy, or uneven conditions. As a result, fleets face ongoing risks such as:
- Lost-time injuries
- Higher workers’ compensation expenses
- Driver replacement and onboarding costs
- Insurance premium increases
- Lawsuit exposure
A single fall from a flatbed can easily cost a company $15,000–$30,000, even without surgery or long-term disability.
Access Ladders Reduce Preventable Injuries
One of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce falls is to give drivers a stable, consistent access point. That’s where the DeckMate ladder—designed specifically for flatbed trailers—makes an immediate difference.
Equipping every truck with a purpose-built access ladder provides drivers with:
- A wide, stable climbing angle
- Slip-resistant rungs
- A strong, durable frame built for daily use
- A predictable access method in all weather conditions
- A safer way to step down from elevated surfaces
Instead of jumping or improvising, drivers have the right tool for the job—every single time.
Why Companies Should Take the Initiative
Many fleets assume “drivers will be careful,” but safety programs must be built around reducing risk, not hoping it won’t occur. When a company supplies standardized safety equipment, several benefits appear immediately:
1. Fewer injuries and claims
Ladders dramatically reduce ankle, knee, and back injuries—the most common flatbed-related incidents.
2. Lower long-term insurance costs
Fewer claims improve a fleet’s loss history, which directly impacts future premiums.
3. Better driver retention
Drivers appreciate companies that invest in equipment that protects them and makes their job safer.
4. Improved safety culture
Providing the right equipment shows leadership’s commitment to safety and reinforces company standards in the field.
5. Higher productivity
When drivers can climb safely and confidently, tasks like tarping and securement often happen faster and with less physical strain.
A Small Investment That Pays Off Quickly
For most fleets, the cost of equipping every truck with a DeckMate ladder is far less than the cost of a single injury. And because Ladder Supply Co. manufactures the ladders in the United States, companies receive a reliable, long-lasting tool that can be used daily in harsh environments.
Providing access ladders isn’t just a safety upgrade—it’s a long-term business investment that protects drivers, reduces risk, and strengthens fleet operations.
If your company wants to take a proactive step toward preventing falls and improving flatbed safety, adding a DeckMate ladder to every trailer is one of the smartest moves you can make.