March is Ladder Safety Month. It is an initiative spearheaded by the American Ladder Institute (ALI) aimed at promoting awareness and education regarding safe ladder. The organization works to spread information about proper ladder selection, setup, and use to prevent accidents and injuries.
Ladder Injuries
Every year, thousands of people are badly injured when they use a ladder while cleaning the roof or roof gutters.
- According to the CDC, every year over 100 people die in ladder-related accidents in the United States. Also, thousands more suffer disabling injuries from using ladders.
- According to Industrial Safety and Hygiene News, there are more than 500,000 falls from ladders annually with 97 percent of them occurring at home or on farms.
Some common ladder-related injuries include:
- Falls that result in fractures, sprains, strains, bruises, internal injuries, and head injuries. Falling from a tall height can lead to permanent disability or death.
- Strains and sprains in muscles and ligaments, particularly in the back, shoulders, and arms from overextension when climbing or descending a ladder. Also injuries can occur when lifting heavy objects while on a ladder, or standing in an awkward position while working on a ladder.
- Traumatic injuries such as cuts, lacerations, and bruises when someone slips while on a ladder, and scrapes against sharp objects or hard surfaces.
- Crush injuries such as pinching or crushing when body parts, such as fingers or hands, get caught between ladder rungs or other objects.
- Electric shock injuries when live wires or electrical equipment come into contact with a person standing on a metal ladder.
It’s essential to prioritize ladder safety to prevent these types of injuries. Proper training, using the right equipment, inspecting ladders for defects, and following safety guidelines can help minimize the risk of accidents.
The Top 5 Causes of Ladder Injuries
- Incorrect ladder setup. Many ladder injuries occur due to improper setup. This includes placing the ladder on unstable or uneven surfaces, not extending it to the proper height, or failing to secure it adequately.
- Overreaching. When users overreach while standing on a ladder, they risk losing their balance and falling. It’s essential to maintain a stable center of gravity and keep your body within the ladder’s side rails.
- Using the wrong type or size of ladder. Using a ladder that is too short for the task or not designed for the specific job increases the risk of accidents. It’s important to choose the right type and size of ladder for the job you need to do.
- Lack of inspection and maintenance. Ladders that are damaged, worn out, or defective can fail unexpectedly, leading to accidents and injuries. Regular inspection and maintenance of ladders are essential to ensure they are in good condition and safe to use.
- Rushing or taking shortcuts. Trying to save time or taking shortcuts when using a ladder can lead to accidents. Users may skip safety precautions, such as securing the ladder properly or using personal protective equipment, increasing the risk of injury.
Seek the help of a personal injury lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
