Ladders are common tools found in both homes and workplaces, but did you know they can be dangerous?
Each year, thousands of people are injured from falling off ladders. It is reported that about half a million people are treated for ladder-related injuries every year.
Though there are several reasons why falls from ladders happen, some of the most common causes are improper setup, incorrect ladder for the job, poor condition of the ladder, and improper climbing.
With the right information, training, and protocols about the safe use of ladders, these accidents are avoidable.
Ladders in the Workplace
According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), falls are the leading cause of death on construction sites.
Although ladder injuries can happen at any job, industries where the risk of these accidents happening is high include construction, maintenance and repair (electricians, HVAC technicians, warehouse workers, and window cleaning and painting.
Employers and workers should understand important and proper ladder use to reduce ladder-related accidents in the workplace.
Below are some helpful tips provided by OSHA to remember when using a ladder, specifically in the workplace.
- Always inspect the ladder for damage before using it.
- Always maintain a 3-point (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) contact on the ladder and face the ladder while climbing.
- Use a ladder only on a stable and level surface, unless it has been secured (top or bottom) to prevent displacement.
- Ladders in areas prone to traffic or displacement must be secured or barricaded.
- Be sure that all locks on an extension ladder are properly engaged.
- Avoid using a metal ladder near electric hazards, such as overhead power lines.
- Do not move or shift a ladder while a person or equipment is on the ladder.
- Do not exceed the maximum load rating of a ladder.
Knowing these key tips and safety precautions will help to prevent ladder-related accidents.
Ladders at Home
Ladders are often used for several at home projects. If they are used improperly, they can lead to injury.
While at home, the two most common ladder accidents include:
- Missing the last step when climbing down
- Overreaching
While many of the ladder safety tips listed above also apply at home, here are a few more to help keep you safe during leisure/ non-work-related projects.
- Wear clean, slip-resistant shoes to maximize traction and avoid slipping.
- Don’t overreach. Keep your center of gravity, and your body, between the side rails.
- Climb slowly and deliberately and avoid sudden movements.
- Choose the correct size ladder for the job you are doing. Examples of ladders include step stool, step ladder, platform ladder, extension ladder, articulating ladder.
Who Could Be Responsible for Ladder-related Injuries?
Depending on where your accident took place, and the reasoning behind it, there may be a party at fault who would be responsible for your injuries at work or at home.
These parties include:
- Employers: Employers are required to follow regulations that provide workers with a safe work environment. They must provide proper equipment and training to ensure the safety of their employees. If they fail to do so, they may be held liable.
- Third-Party Contractors: If a third party was hired to set up the ladder or work site, they may be held liable if the job was not done correctly or safely.
- Property Owners: Property owners have a responsibility to keep their properties safe. If the accident happened because of an unsafe condition on their property, they may be found responsible.
- Ladder Manufacturers: If an accident occurred due to a malfunction of the product, the manufacturer may be at fault.
Although you cannot control the safe practices of others, it is important for you to know and follow ladder safety to help prevent fall accidents.
If you suspect your ladder fall accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, contact our team, and we’ll help you understand your rights.
The lawyers at DILLER LAW do not charge a fee for the initial consultation because we generally work on a contingency fee, and we understand how difficult financially it is for those who have recently suffered an injury.
For a free legal consultation call us now at (866) 563-7599.
Article Sources:
https://www.americanladderinstitute.org/page/MarchisNationalLadderSafetyMonth
https://www.oshaeducationcenter.com/articles/march-is-national-ladder-safety-month/
https://weeklysafety.com/blog/at-home-safety-ladders-and-step-stools