Incidences of Ladder Falls
Among many other workplace accidents that one hears about daily, ladder falls have become very common.
According to research, 55.8% of these occur in the construction industry, where ladders are used as a standard tool.
Other ladder fall accidents are common in the Warehousing, Service, Trade, and Transportation sectors.
Because of this high percentage, these accidents have come under the notice of law firms and human rights agencies that believe ladder fall accidents are to be classified under the wrongful death law.
This attention has resulted in much research that yields many causes of ladder fall accidents.
Causes and Patterns of Injury From Ladder Falls
According to observers, ladder falls are a result of the following:
- Faulty ladders with broken rungs.
- Lack of training of construction personnel on how to use ladders.
- Violation of ladder safety rules.
- The poor condition of the supporting surface of the ladder.
- Improper use of ladders even when they are not needed on site.
- Lack of strict supervision by on-site managers.
Precautions to Avoid Ladder Falls
With ladder fall accidents at an all-time high this July, the number of deaths from falls from considerable heights soared to 60%.
These astounding figures call for some severe precautions to be put in place because ladder falls result in fatal injuries, including brain damage and spinal dysfunction that can leave workers crippled for the rest of their lives.
Some immediate precautions to consider are:
- Assessing job descriptions and situations in which ladders are required. This is necessary so that ladder usage and presence are restricted in places that are not required and are needlessly lying around, thereby causing injuries.
- If the job requires a ladder, it should be used under strict supervision and control. For instance, placing the ladder on a firm surface and tying it from the top rung or making a worker hold it from the sides should be mandatory.
- Use extendable ladders to avoid leaning over and stretching to reach beyond one’s height.
- Ladders with broken rungs or faulty joints should be put off the site.
- Urging workers to follow safety protocols like wearing hard hats and avoiding crossing areas where heavy construction is underway.
In the Aftermath of a Ladder Fall Accident
You will be liable for compensation if you or a loved one has suffered a ladder fall because of another’s negligence.
Always remember ladder fall accidents can be categorized under personal injury claims and wrongful deaths.
Therefore, while you suffer severe injuries and pay hefty medical bills, knowing that your personal injury lawyer is fighting for you provides peace of mind and a cushion against future worries.
Moreover, a personal injury lawyer provides valuable advice, which is a must when you feel you need maximum support to get back on your feet.
To help you do so, your attorney will demand compensation for your medical bills and future wages lost because of your injury.
