How to Avoid Work Injuries With Ladders

Every year, more than 300 fatalities and more than 164,000 ladder-related injuries are reported in the United States alone.

Perform Regular Ladder Inspections

Before using any type of ladder, it’s important to inspect it for damage first. Look for cracks or other signs of wear and tear, and make sure all the components are securely fastened in place. It’s also a good idea to check for loose screws or bolts and tighten them if necessary. Regular inspections will help ensure your ladder is safe to use and help prolong its lifespan. 

Never Climb on the Backside of the Ladder

This may seem like an obvious safety tip, but it’s often overlooked. Climbing on the backside of a ladder puts you at risk of falling backward and seriously injuring yourself. If you need to move backward while on a ladder, always come down and reposition it so you can safely climb it from the front.

Never Climb on the Highest Steps of a Ladder

Another common mistake people make when using ladders is climbing too high. It’s important to remember that the higher up you get, the greater your risk of falling and injuring yourself. If you need to reach something out of your normal range, don’t try to stretch or climb onto the highest rung of the ladder. Instead, use a taller ladder to safely reach what you need without putting yourself at risk.

Never Carry Items in Your Hands

When carrying items up a ladder, always use a bucket or tool belt to transport them. Trying to carry things in your hands while climbing a ladder increases your chance of dropping something or losing your grip and falling.

At the same time, respect the weight limits. This means ensuring that your weight and items don’t exceed the weight that your ladder can comfortably handle. Exceeding the weight limit will only put you at risk for an accident.

Don’t Use a Metal Ladder Near Electrical Conductors

One hazard unique to metal ladders is electrocution if they come into contact with power lines or other electrical conductors. To avoid this hazard, always keep metal ladders away from electrical equipment and power lines. If you must use a metal ladder near electrical equipment, ensure it’s properly insulated first. 

Climb Down and Move the Ladder Instead of Leaning to the Side

When working from a height, it’s tempting to lean over to one side instead of climbing down to reposition the ladder closer to what you’re working on.  However, this puts you at risk of losing your balance and falling off the ladder. If you need to reposition the ladder, don’t try to lean it over to one side. Instead, climb down and move it yourself.

Kansas City, MO Work Injury Lawyer

By following these simple safety tips, you can help prevent ladder accidents at work. However, if you find yourself in a ladder accident that results in a work injury, you may be entitled to workers compensation benefits.

The Law Office of James M. Hoffman is here to help. We offer free initial consultations so we can assess your case and provide some guidance on how best to proceed. Contact us today to speak with an experienced Kansas City, MO Work Injury Lawyer.