April 25, 2014 — A new report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has found that workplace ladder falls remain a leading cause of injury in the general population and among workers, particularly construction workers.
In the last decade, about 43% of deadly falls in the workplace involved ladders and about 20% of injuries in the workplace involve ladders.
In 2011, the CDC found that workplace ladder falls caused 113 deaths (0.09 per 100,000 full-time workers), approximately 15,460 non-fatal injuries resulting in at least one day of missed work, and about 34,000 non-fatal injuries treated in a hospital emergency department.
The injuries disproportionately affected construction workers — especially Hispanics, people who were self-employed, and employees of small businesses. Of all construction workers who fell and had to be treated in an emergency room, 81% involved ladders. Nearly 90% occurred at heights under 16 feet.
The researchers said that many ladder falls could be prevented. Workers and their employers should take precautions, including:
- Minimizing use of a ladder by doing as much work as possible on the ground.
- Provide alternatives to ladders, such as aerial lifts.
- Inspect the ladder and check safety features before using it.
- Carefully select the location of the ladder.
- Train workers on how to safely use a ladder.
Do I have a Workplace Ladder Fall Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting workplace ladder fall induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Personal Injury Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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