If you’re the person in your household tasked with cleaning out gutters, replacing roof shingles, cutting tree branches, or simply changing light bulbs or getting boxes down from a high shelf in a closet, you most likely need to use a ladder. Our two words of advice up front: BE CAREFUL!
Thousands of people in the U.S. are hurt in ladder-related accidents every year, and more than 100 people a year die from their injuries, according to the American Ladder Institute (yes, there is such a thing, as well as National Ladder Safety Month in March). The CDC cites more sobering statistics—more than 500,000 people a year treated for ladder accidents and about 300 deaths.
An Australian study in 2018 of 177 people reported that men over age 50 doing domestic tasks were the most likely candidates to end up in the emergency room after falling off a ladder. Most accidents were due to slips and missteps or movement of the ladder. The most commonly broken bones after a ladder fall were the spine, ribs, lower leg, wrist, lower arm, and pelvis. Some people suffered a collapsed lung.
There’s a good chance a fall’s lingering effects will last at least six months, partly because the consequences of a fall often extend to mental health. Nearly half of those injured reported a decline in psychological well-being, often characterized by anxiety, depression, and sleep difficulties. They also reported a deterioration in their social relationships.
How to prevent injury
You can avoid ladder-related injuries by following certain precautions. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests these tips—some obvious but worth a reminder—for staying safe on single and extension ladders:
- Don’t use a ladder if you are prone to dizzy spells or feeling fatigued or you take medications that can make you lose your balance.
- Never use a ladder outside when it’s windy.
- Inspect the ladder for loose rungs, screws, or hinges before you use it.
- Clear any dirt, liquid, or other debris off the rungs and rails.
- Wear closed shoes with clean, nonslip soles and make sure that your pant legs don’t fall underneath them.
- Set the ladder on solid, even ground.
- Keep the ladder clear of power lines, branches, and other obstructions.
- For every 4 feet an extension ladder rises, make sure the ladder is 1 foot away from the wall. For example, if the ladder touches the wall at 16 feet above the ground, place the bottom of the ladder 4 feet away from the wall.
- Ensure that an extension ladder extends at least 3 feet higher than its upper point of contact.
More safety tips from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons can be found here. You can also register for free ladder safety training from the American Ladder Institute, which covers all types of ladders from stepladders to extension ladders; videos and other resources are also available on the website (click on “Safety & Training”). If you’re partial to apps, check out this ladder safety mobile app from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
