Ladder falls are a major cause of injury and death in workplaces across the United States. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that in 2020 alone, they resulted in the death of 161 workers and injuries to another 22,710.
Ladders are used in all sorts of workplaces, from everyday in construction, window cleaning firms and roofers to occasionally in offices and shops. Here are some of the reasons they can be so dangerous.
Inherent instability
The longer something is, the more leverage it has. When someone is standing on the ground, it takes a bit of effort to push them over, because the top of their head is relatively close to where their feet are planted on the ground. Put them at the top of a ladder and they are suddenly much further from their point of contact with the ground – the feet of the ladder. That’s a lot of leverage, and it would take little to tip the ladder over.
Increased distance to fall
Falling over when standing on the ground doesn’t usually result in injury because the person does not fall far. Someone up a ladder will fall much further, and so the force when they impact the ground will be much greater.
Lack of training
Ladders look simple, so people often assume they know how to use them. Yet, using them safely requires learning about proper placement, set up and other things. Not all employers provide training.
If you or are loved one has a ladder fall, the consequences could be serious. Learning how to claim workers’ compensation could be crucial.