Accidents at Work Involving Ladders

Falls from Height & Accidents at Work involving Ladders

If you have been injured in an accident work involving a fall from ladders or a step- ladder you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation for personal injury and any financial losses or expenses that you have incurred.

Falls from ladders and stepladders at work

Ladders and stepladders are often used by employees when working at height. However, ladders and stepladders are often used incorrectly and this can lead to accidents at work. Falls from ladders are a common cause of work injury which can lead to a claim for personal injury compensation.

Common accidents at work involving ladders:

• Falls from unsuitable or faulty ladders;
• Falls caused by reaching beyond the height of a ladder;
• Lack of a secure handhold due to carrying tools or other equipment;
• Lack of anti-slip feet, stabilisers or other means to safely secure a ladder;
• Using a ladder on or against an uneven or unsafe surface.
• Ladders and stepladders should only be used to gain access to workplaces at height or to perform short and simple tasks. For the majority of work at height it would be more appropriate to use some other form of work at height equipment such as scaffolding, mobile work towers or an elevating work platform.

Safe use of ladders at work

If ladders must be used there are a number of rules which should be followed to reduce the risk of a fall:

• Ladders must be of a type and size suitable for the work to be done – for example to prevent over-reaching
• Ladders must be sound with no damage or faults
• Ladders should be set at the correct angle (usually 75 degrees) to prevent ladder slip
• Ladders should be secured or tied at the top and secured at the bottom
• Ladders must only be placed on a clean, level surface
• Always grip the ladder when climbing
• Do not overreach and keep both feet on the same rung or step throughout the task
• Do not work off the top three rungs – this provides a handhold
• Avoid carrying anything when climbing a ladder – for example use tool belts instead

The Health & Safety Executive provides additional information on the safe use of ladders which can be accessed by clicking here.

Free advice for accidents at work involving a fall from ladders

If you have been injured in a work accident involving a fall from ladders contact us for free advice regarding a personal injury compensation claim. We offer free advice by phone or free, no obligation meeting and free home visits can be arranged*. To discuss your claim contact us today.