Even a fall off of a six-foot ladder can be life-altering. Many people suffer serious brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and internal injuries in these types of accidents. It’s true that higher falls are more likely to be fatal, but don’t underestimate the risk at even minor heights.
How can you avoid such an outcome? Nothing guarantees it, but there are steps you can take.
Focusing on safety
Whenever you have to use a ladder on the job, always focus on safety. It’s more important than production or getting something done quickly. It should be your No. 1 priority. Here is how you can do it:
- Clean the ladder before using it. Check it over to make sure it is in good condition.
- Always stay between the ladder’s upright beams. Rather than leaning, move the ladder to reach other areas.
- Do not put a ladder on top of anything to make it taller.
- Keep at least one hand and two feet on the ladder at all times.
- Check your surfaces to make sure they’re flat, stable and clean. A ladder can tip, even when it is in perfect condition, if it is set on a dangerous surface.
- Climb only the correct side of the ladder and only allow one person to use that ladder at a time.
When in doubt, always move slowly and carefully. Think through every action you take on a ladder.
Have you been injured?
While these tips certainly can help, a ladder fall may happen anyway. If you suffer catastrophic injuries in that fall, you may have legal options.