Canton, Ohio-based CDL Safety Resources has developed the new Safe-T-Step Van ladder series, based on the company's portable ladder for truck trailers.


The ladder uses two attachment pieces, which are bolted onto the basic model.

"I wanted to make both models interchangeable with the two most commonly-used types of trailers," said Michael Lattavo, company president. "That way, if a van driver decides to switch over to a flatbed, he can simply remove the attachment pieces, and can continue to use the device."

Safe-T-Step was developed in 1998 by Philip E. Lattavo, then president of Lattavo Brothers trucking company, as a result of the high number of drivers falling from trailers. Most accidents occurred while climbing on or off the trailers in order to secure and/or tarp loads. These accidents frequently resulted in injured drivers, lost time, and higher insurance and workers compensation rates. When the initial line rolled out in early 1999, all company drivers were issued a Safe-T-Step as standard equipment.