Even for workers who don’t have to work at heights, falls are a serious injury risk. Workers can be hurt in slip-and-fall accidents or they could trip and fall on a staircase or in a cluttered workplace. Even these types of short falls can lead to serious injuries.
For those who do have to work on ladders, the risks are even greater. Falls could even be fatal or could lead to severe issues like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or spinal cord injuries (SCIs). What should workers do to stay safe?
How to help prevent falls
When workers are focused on safety, they can use ladders with a lower risk of getting injured. Here are some tips that may help:
- Only one person should be on the ladder at one time.
- Always climb the correct side of the ladder, not the support rungs on the back.
- When climbing the ladder, always keep three points of contact.
- Check the ladder’s duty rating to make sure that it can support the correct weight limit.
- Always read the safety information and check to be sure the ladder was set up correctly.
- Do not use the ladder while under the influence or while feeling sick, tired or dizzy.
- Watch out for weather conditions like storms and high winds.
- Pay attention to electrical lines and other overhead hazards.
- Be sure that you have the right type of ladder for the job, such as an extension ladder or a stepladder.
- Never try to lean from the top of a ladder. Always get down and move it to the side.
These tips may help, but workplace injuries can and still do happen. Workers who have been hurt on the job need to know how to seek proper benefits.