When using ladders, it is important to understand the prevalence of fall incidents and what that means for workers.
A fall from a ladder can pose a much bigger problem than you might initially assume. But how and why is this the case?
Emphasizing ladder safety
The CDC discusses occupational injuries from ladder falls. First, it is important to note that most falls from ladders end up classified as avoidable incidents. In other words, taking proper steps and precautionary measures could have prevented the incident.
This is why it is important for management to emphasize the importance of ladder safety and ensure that all employees have strong knowledge of how to use ladders in the safest way possible. For example, they should know to avoid standing beyond the safety point and to always keep three points of contact with the ladder at all times.
Injuries from falls
If a person falls from a ladder, they risk numerous injuries that range from mild to severe. For example, a victim could end up fracturing a bone, or they could even outright break one. If they land on their head, they may suffer from cranial fractures and brain injuries or swelling.
A fall can also impact a worker’s back and mobility. A broken back can result in months or even years of healing and physical therapy to return to the prior state of fitness. In some cases, mobility may end up impacted for life. Nerve damage may also occur, causing chronic pain that can greatly interfere with one’s quality of life.
Due to these heavy impacts, it is important to treat ladder safety as the crucial matter it is.
