With many professions, using a ladder is a necessity. For example, if you work as a roofer, you’ll spend a lot of time climbing up and down all types of ladders.
While doing so, it’s imperative to keep your safety in mind. There are many common causes of ladder accidents, including the following:
- Missing the bottom rung: As you near the ground, keep close tabs on how close you are. Missing the last step can cause you to slip and fall to the ground.
- Overreaching: Attempting to overreach can cause the ladder to tip. If the ladder isn’t in good position, climb to the bottom and reposition it.
- Wrong size ladder: Make sure the ladder you choose is the right size for the task. For instance, if you have to stand on the top rung to reach the desired height, your ladder isn’t tall enough.
- Failure to maintain three points of contact: If you neglect to do this, there’s a greater chance of losing your balance. Always keep two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot on the ladder.
- Placing a ladder on soft or uneven ground: Firm and level ground provide a solid base for your ladder. Conversely, soft or uneven ground increases the risk of tipping as you climb higher.
These are among the most common causes of ladder accidents, but other situations can cause you trouble as well.
If you’re injured in a ladder accident at work, report the incident to your employer and receive immediate medical treatment. Doing these things improve the likelihood of receiving workers’ compensation benefits, if necessary.