Question: Why is OSHA phasing out the "qualified climber" exception in the outdoor advertising industry?

Answer: OSHA is phasing out the qualified climber exception and requiring that fixed ladders in outdoor advertising be equipped with fall protection for several reasons: Workers are at risk of death and injury whenever they climb elevated heights on fixed ladders without fall protection. The final rule's fall protection requirements will eliminate or reduce falls from fixed ladders in this industry. Requiring workers to use fall protection while they are climbing will help to ensure that they remain tied off when they reach the work platform and begin work. The fall hazards on fixed ladders in outdoor advertising are not unique to that industry and therefore OSHA believes it is reasonable and appropriate that those ladders meet the same requirements as all other fixed ladders; Advances in technology since OSHA issued its 1993 policy have made ladder safety and personal fall arrest systems on fixed ladders feasible, effective and affordable for the outdoor advertising industry; and The final rule eliminates the exception that allows workers to climb extended heights on fixed ladders without fall protection. OSHA recently eliminated a similar exception that allowed workers to climb electric utility poles without fall protection.