Any time a worker slips and falls, they could be injured. They could be walking on a level surface, going up and down the stairs or working in an elevated position. Any fall can be serious, especially if it results in a head injury.
That being said, falls from heights are more likely to lead to serious and even fatal injuries. For many workers, this means that the biggest hazard they face is when they have to work on a ladder.
What you can do to stay safe
As an employee, you may not have any choice about whether or not you use a ladder to perform your duties. Here are some things to keep in mind to do so safely:
- Read the safety instructions before use.
- Never work on a ladder with someone else.
- Never climb the wrong side of the ladder.
- If you need to move to a different location, climb down and move the ladder, rather than trying to lean or rock it back-and-forth.
- Do not carry materials, tools or other items in your hands while ascending or descending the ladder.
- Always attempt to keep three points of contact.
- Do not work when you are under the influence, sick or overly fatigued.
- Be careful of external hazards, such as overhead power lines.
- Do not use ladders in problematic weather, such as wind, rain or snow.
- Always use the correct type of ladder for the job.
If you follow these tips, you can reduce your odds of being involved in a serious workplace accident. But there’s nothing that you can do that will guarantee you won’t suffer injuries. If you do, then you need to know how to seek workers’ comp benefits.
