If your job duties require reaching hard-to-reach spots, you probably use ladders every day at work. Because ladders contribute to roughly 500,000 injuries annually, your ladder may also be one of your more dangerous tools.
A ladder-related injury may make it impossible for you to perform your job duties. While you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits to help you through the recovery process, you are better off minimizing your accident risk. Here are three reasons ladder injuries tend to happen at work.
1. Placing the ladder incorrectly
Modern ladders have comprehensive operational instructions. When erecting a ladder, you must understand and follow them. Nevertheless, if you place a ladder on an unsteady surface or in a dangerous area, you may put yourself and your coworkers at risk.
2. Using an old, damaged or defective ladder
Like the other tools you use regularly, ladders are not invincible. Eventually, even top-quality ones are likely to wear out or break completely. To stay safe, you should thoroughly inspect all ladders you intend to use. If you notice signs of damage, avoid the ladder and notify your coworkers of the potential danger.
3. Colliding with overhead electrical lines
While fall-related injuries are more common, you may suffer a serious electrocution if you entangle a ladder with overhead power lines. Consequently, when you are moving and setting up a ladder, you should always examine the space around and above it.
Additionally, you must be careful not to use a metal ladder when working with electricity. After all, if you collide with overhead powerlines or otherwise misuse a ladder, you may sustain a serious on-the-job injury.
