Ladders are widely used in the workplace and statistics show that a third of all falls from heights involve ladders. Injuries resulting from ladder accidents tend to be more serious too.
If you have suffered an injury on a ladder you may be entitled to make a personal injury compensation claim.
Can I claim?
You can make a claim if you’re an employee at your normal place of work or working on site. If you are a self-employed contractor you may be able to make a claim against the company you were working for at the time or the site owners.
Our team of personal injury solicitors at Recovery Assist will also be able to advise you whether you are able to make a product liability claim against the manufacturer or supplier of the ladder.
Why do accidents occur?
Ladders and step ladders are often used incorrectly which can lead to accidents and injuries including:
- 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 the ladder
- Using ladders on or against an uneven or unsafe surface
Ladders 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 device.
To prevent accidents involving ladders or step ladders, the following rules should be used:
- Keep your body centred within the ladder/step ladder
- Ensure that both feet and one hand is in contact with the ladder/step ladder at all times
- Wear non-slip footwear
- You should be fully trained and fit to work at height
- Secure the ladder/step ladder at the top and bottom
- Ensure that the maximum weight on the ladder/step ladder is not exceeded
- Ensure that ladders/step ladders are properly maintained
- You try to move the ladder whilst on it
- You rock or push the ladder away from the wall
- The ladder is too short causing overreaching to take place
- You are carrying too heavy a load while climbing the ladder
- Looking for slippery substances such as oil or water on the floor or on the ladder itself
- Ensuring that appropriate footwear is used when climbing ladders
- Making sure that the top rungs of the ladder are not used
- Never having a hand and foot off the ladder at the same time
What are the most common types of accident?
Accidents are most likely to happen if:
What does the law say?
Employers are under a duty to ensure that there is a safe environment for the use of ladders; that ladders are correctly maintained and that employees are properly trained in their use. Training should include the following:
Employers are also under a duty to assess the risks. For example, does a ladder need to be used, and if so, is it long enough to reach the desired height? Employers must also properly plan the job and supervise all workers who are working at height.
If it can be established that your employer has failed to take reasonable care in ensuring that some or all of these requirements have been met, you may be entitled to compensation for the injuries you have sustained.
What sort of injuries can be caused?
Due to the heights involved, injuries incurred when falling from a ladder/step ladder can be severe if not fatal. Ladder accidents can result in head and spinal injuries as well as fractures to numerous parts of the body.
Call Recovery Assist today on 0161 762 4949 for free advice and to find out how much compensation you may be entitled to. Don’t forget: we operate on a no win no fee basis.
Call Us on 0161 762 4949
Text 4949 to 88802
E-mail: info@recoveryassist.co.uk
