Common Causes of Ladder Accidents

Ladders are the most commonly used tool in both workplaces and households and have existed for thousands of years, even appearing in ancient cave paintings. Ladders are essential for reaching the heights necessary for painting, repairs, roofing, landscaping, and more, including in defense missions within the military; however, they are also one of the most common causes of workplace injuries. There were 680 workplace deaths caused by falls from heights in 2021, and thousands of serious injuries according to U.S. Department of Labor Statistics.

What Causes Ladder Accidents?

Using a ladder always involves some necessary risk; however, employers have a duty to carefully follow OSHA standards and guidelines for the types of ladders used and their employee training for safe use. Unfortunately, workplace negligence and other factors result in thousands of ladder accidents every year. Common causes of ladder accidents include the following:

• Using the wrong type or size of ladder for a job: when choosing an appropriate ladder, it’s necessary to calculate the user’s reach height which is typically about four feet higher than the ladder
• Over-reaching while on a ladder: a ladder user must keep their center of gravity centered between the ladder rails to prevent unbalance
• Step-down accidents when a user misses a rung
• The ladder wasn’t properly placed on level ground: unlevel ground, debris on the ground, and soft or sandy ground is a safety risk for ladder use
• The user didn’t maintain three-point contact on the ladder: ladder users must always maintain three points of contact with the ladder, like two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot. Carrying equipment or other items while climbing increases the risk of a fall
• Incorrect ladder angle: incorrectly angled extension ladders may slideout at the base
• Inadequate ladder inspection and maintenance: ladders in ill-repair present significant safety hazards like broken rungs and loose screws
• Stepping above the second-highest step on a stepladder
• Using a step ladder as a seat

Ladder accidents also happen in the home, but the vast majority of ladder-related injuries occur in the workplace, particularly within the construction, roofing, repair, and landscaping industries.

What Types of Injuries Occur From Ladder Accidents?

Falls from heights cause serious physical trauma. Injuries from ladder falls commonly include the following:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Fractures, including of the neck and back
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Crush injuries
• Internal organ damage

When these injuries occur on the worksite, the injury victim is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits or compensation from a lawsuit against a third party like a contractor, subcontractor, or defective equipment claim. Contact a workplace injury attorney in Los Angeles to learn about what your legal options are.

Understanding the Impacts of Ladder Accidents

Many industries rely on ladders, including extension ladders, step ladders, single ladders, and articulated ladders. Ladder accidents have tripled in the last decade, despite strict OSHA standards. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that the United States leads the world in the number of ladder accident deaths. Astonishingly, most ladder accident deaths occur from heights of ten feet or less.