How Do Ladder Accidents Happen?

Ladders have the potential to be extremely dangerous. According to data from the American Ladder Institute, there are approximately 500,000 ladder-related injuries reported nationwide each year. Proper ladder safety is an absolute must, both in the workplace and at home. Our Gettysburg construction accident attorney explains the most common reasons why ladder accidents happen in Pennsylvania.

Improper Ladder Placement

Proper ladder placement is an absolute must. It is one of the most important safety steps. Placing a ladder on an uneven, slippery, or otherwise unstable surface dramatically increases the risk of a fall. Placement errors are the leading cause of ladder accidents on construction sites, at home, and otherwise. If the ladder shifts or tips during use, a person can lose their balance and suffer serious injuries or even fatalities.

Using the Wrong Type of Ladder

You need to make sure that you are using the right ladder for the job in question. Each ladder is designed for specific uses and weight capacities. Using a ladder that is too short, not rated for the task, or not meant for electrical work—such as using a metal ladder near power lines—can create dangerous conditions. Always check the ladder type and the load capacity. Doing so can help to avoid serious accidents.

Overreaching While on the Ladder

Falls from ladders are a serious risk. Another one of the most common mistakes is leaning too far to one side while trying to reach an area. Doing so shifts the center of gravity and can cause the ladder to tip over. Workers should always keep their belt buckle between the ladder rails and reposition the ladder when needed. Employers in Pennsylvania have a responsibility to ensure that workers who use ladders in the course and scope of their employment are properly trained.

Failure to Maintain Three Points of Contact

Three points of contact are required to use a ladder. The best safety practices require maintaining three points of contact by the person on it—that means either two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand—when climbing or descending. Losing this contact increases the risk of slipping or losing balance. Many falls occur when users carry tools or materials up or down and drop one (or two) of their points of contact.

Damaged or Defective Ladders

Finally, some ladder accidents happen because of problems with the equipment itself. Using ladders that are broken, cracked, or have worn-out feet or locking mechanisms can cause them to collapse or fail during use. Regular inspections are essential to identify defects and prevent accidents. Construction companies, businesses, employers, and homeowners should all discard any ladder that is unsafe. Working on a ladder is inherently dangerous. The proper equipment is a must.

Speak to Our Gettysburg Construction Accident Lawyer Today

At DiLoreto, Cosentino & Bolinger P.C., our Gettysburg construction accident attorneys have the skills and experience to handle ladder accident cases. If you or your loved one was hurt in a ladder accident, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review. From our Gettysburg law office, we handle ladder accidents in Adams County and throughout the region.