Every year, over 100 people die in ladder-related accidents and thousands more are inflicted with disabling injuries from ladder mishaps either at home or in the workplace. To help promote better innovation, product design, safety planning, and training, the American Ladder Institute (ALI) has designated March as National Ladder Safety Month. Without these changes and improvements, we will continue to see fatalities resulting from ladder falls. The 2020 campaign will focus on five key themes:
February 23-29: What is Ladder Safety?
March 1-7: Ladder Safety Training and Year-Round Partners
March 8-14: Ladder Safety at Work
March 15-21: Ladder Safety at Home
March 22-28: Ladder Safety Inspection and Disposal
Ladder Safety Month is designed to raise awareness on how to safely use a ladder and ultimately decrease the number of ladder-related injuries and fatalities. Some of the most common errors that can result in falls and serious injuries include:
- Using the wrong ladder
- Not having proper support
- A lack of proper inspection
- Lack of training
No matter if you are working in the home or at a worksite, it is important to understand how to prevent ladder-related injuries. ALI encourages people in the workplace to inspect their ladders regularly and train their employees on ladder safety. Some basic ladder safety tips include:
- Stay off a ladder if you feel tired, dizzy, or a are prone to losing balance
- Climb up and down the ladder slowly and deliberately
- Do not use ladders in high winds or storms
- Ensure that the ladder you select is the right size for the job
- Inspect the ladder before using it to confirm that it is in good working condition
- Never attempt to move a ladder while standing on it
- Wear clean-slip resistant shoes when using a ladder
- Place the ladder on firm, level ground without any type of slippery condition present
- Guard doorways near any ladder so it cannot be open and knock you off
- Read the label for safety information about the ladder before use
- Never attempt to move a ladder while standing on it
Most factors that contribute to falls from ladders involve rushing or a lack of time, lack of attention, the user’s age or physical condition, poor condition of the ladder, sudden movements, and the user’s footwear. It is important to keep this safety information in mind to reduce your chances of falling off a ladder. Work and home ladder-related injuries can be easily prevented by putting the right foot forward and taking the above steps to ensure your safety. If you or a loved one have suffered a ladder-related injury at work, you may be able to receive financial compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical expenses, and even lost future earnings. The attorneys at Spiros Law, P.C. are well equipped to fight on your behalf and provide you the legal representation you deserve. Contact one of our attorneys today at one of our three Central Illinois offices in Kankakee, Champaign, or Danville to discuss your available options.
