Ladders in the workplace can be dangerous, for obvious reasons. When ladders are routinely used at work, the risk of workplace injuries increases, and employers need to ensure workers are properly trained and that they are observing appropriate safety practices.
According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control, one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and deaths is falls from ladders. The study says that roughly 20 percent of workplace fall injuries involve ladders, while about 43 percent of fatal falls over the last decade have involved ladders. In 2011, a total of 113 workers died from ladders falls, while there were about 15,500 ladder-related injuries requiring at least a day off work and 34,000 ladder-related injuries requiring a hospital visit.
Not surprisingly, older employees were found to be at greater risk for ladder fall injuries, as well as those working in construction, maintenance, and other related professions. In construction, for instance, about 81 percent of fall injuries are believed to be attributed to ladders.
As stated above, it is important for employers to properly train their employees in the use of ladders. Most ladder injuries and deaths are actually preventable either by proper training, avoiding the use of ladders when unnecessary, routine ladder maintenance, and other measures.
Workers who are harmed by a ladder injury have the right to be compensated for their injuries, particularly if the mishap was due to an employer oversight. Those who have questions about the workers' compensation process or who run into difficulties with their employer in filing a claim should contact an experienced attorney for assistance.