According to an analysis of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ hunting incident reports, tree stands (platforms attached to trees that enable people to hunt from elevated positions) are involved in more injuries and deaths than are guns. These statistics demonstrate the serious dangers associated with falls from a significant height. Tree stands can be quite high, often 15 feet or more above the ground, which brings with it the risk of serious or life threatening injuries in the event of a fall. Tree stands often incorporate ladders that allow access to the platform and these ladders are subject to many of the same design requirements as other non-self supporting ladders. In addition, while hunters can use fall protection harnesses while sitting in the tree stand, the commonly available fall protection equipment is not practical for use during climbing and descending the tree stand ladder.