Ladders are commonly used in many different work environments. From hardhat areas where heavy and loud construction is underway to the quietest library, workers frequently have to use ladders to get their jobs done. But as everyone knows, what goes up, must come down. And if you go up a ladder, you want to come back down safely.
Whether you are an old hand at scampering up and down a ladder, or you are a bit more reticent when having to climb the rungs, you should always proceed with care and caution. So, what are some things you can do to be safe when on a ladder? Here are some tips from the National Safety Council:
- Make sure the ladder is placed on a surface that is solid and firm.
- Hold on to the rungs, rather than the side rails, as you climb.
- While climbing, keep your hands free of tools or other objects.
- Always have a minimum of three contact points with the ladder. Meaning, one foot and two hands or one hand and two feet.
- If the area you need to get to is not in easy reach, move the ladder rather than attempting to overextend.
- When climbing down a ladder, do so a single rung at a time.
These are a few of the things you can do to better ensure you will not be injured while using a ladder at work. But accidents can still happen. For example, if a ladder provided by your employer is in some way broken, which causes you to take a fall, you could suffer very serious injuries. Of course, a fall from a great height could leave you with broken bones or head injuries. But even a lesser fall could cause injuries requiring medical treatment.
If you should ever be injured due to falling from a ladder while on the job, an Illinois workers’ compensation attorney could help to make sure that you receive the benefits to which you are entitled.