11 Ladder Safety Tips That Could Save Lives in Kentucky

Falling from a ladder is one of the top causes of work-related injuries in Kentucky and across the nation.

Ladder accidents can happen in different ways. Sometimes the ladder is defective. Other times it is positioned improperly. In some cases, the problem is human error.

And sometimes there is an underlying medical condition that precipitates a fall.

That appeared to be the case July 30, when a 25-year-old grocery store worker in Fayette County died after falling from a ladder at work. The man plunged 20 feet to the floor while stocking shelves and putting away supplies, according to WKYT-TV.

It appears he had an acute cardiac event preceding his fall. The cause of death was ruled as a myocardial infarction, according to news accounts, with secondary blunt force trauma from the fall.

11 Pointers for Kentucky Ladder Safety

Ladders are tools. Like other tools, there are some basic rules for using ladders safely.

Here are some pointers from the American Ladder Institute:

1. Stay off ladders if you are feeling tired or dizzy, or if you have balance problems.
2. Avoid ladders in rain, high winds or storms.
3. Wear safe, slip-resistant footwear. Shoes with leather soles are inappropriate.
4. Before using a ladder, inspect it to make sure it is in good working condition.
5. Throw away ladders with loose or missing parts.
6. Don’t pick a ladder that is too small or too large for the job.
7. Make sure the ladder can safely support your weight plus any tools and equipment you will carry.
8. Don’t stand on the top rung or step.
9. Set up the ladder on firm, level ground.
10. Never place ladders in front of closed doors that can open toward the ladder.
11. Read all safety information labels.

Workers who are injured in on-the-job ladder accidents in Kentucky may be entitled to workers’ compensation.

Sources:

• American Ladder Institute http://www.laddersafety.org/basicladdersafety.aspx
• WKYT CBS-TV Lexington http://www.wkyt.com/news/headlines/Worker-at-Lexington-grocery-store-hurt-after-fall-214799861.html
• OSHA https://www.osha.gov/oshstats/commonstats.html