Ladders are commonplace in any work environment that involves operating at a height or where goods are stored at a height. This piece of equipment allows workers to gain access to areas that would otherwise be hard to reach.
Unfortunately, ladders can be dangerous. Falls from ladders account for over 160 thousand hospital-treated injuries every year. Many of these falls occur in the workplace.
How do ladder accidents happen? Here are some possibilities:
The wrong type of ladder
If you’re operating at a height, then it’s crucial that the ladder remains stable. Some ladders are more suitable than others depending on the circumstances. For instance, a small step ladder may be appropriate if you’re only reaching for a shelf that’s just above the average human height.
However, the same ladder would not be suitable for reaching any higher. When using a ladder, you should not be outstretched or unbalanced. Your employer should provide you with the tools required to do the job, and this includes the right-sized ladders. All ladders must also be maintained, with damaged equipment being safely discarded.
The placement of the ladder
As mentioned, stability is key when it comes to safe ladder use. A ladder is only as stable as the floor beneath it. You should not be expected to go up a ladder if the floor surface is uneven or unstable.
Additionally, it can be unsafe to place a ladder next to doorways, stairs and in busy spaces. It only takes one knock for the ladder to be shifted, which could mean a devastating fall.
A fall from a ladder can result in serious injuries. If you’ve been injured on the job, be sure to look into your options in terms of workers’ compensation.
