Safety experts who study the construction industry have identified four top causes of fatal accidents, known as the “Fatal Four.” At the top of that list is the most common issue construction workers face: Suffering fatal injuries in a fall.
But it’s not just construction workers who face fall risks. Roofers, electricians, painters, HVAC professionals and many others may have to work at heights. They often use ladders to do so. What steps can they take to stay safe when there are inherent risks to their job?
Understanding ladder safety
The biggest thing is to keep safety as a priority whenever you are using a ladder. Some workers are in a rush or focused on productivity over safety, and this can lead to serious accidents. With the right focus, the following tips can help:
- Always keep three points of contact, which means not carrying materials or tools in your hands
- Never try to move the ladder to a new location while you’re still on it or lean excessively to the side, both of which could cause the ladder to tip
- If someone else set the ladder up, make sure that it’s the right type for the job and that it has been set up correctly
- Always read the instructions or warnings, such as the weight limits
- Be wary of using ladders in adverse weather conditions, such as wind or rain
Unfortunately, even if you are focused on safety, you could still be injured in a fall, as accidents happen in many industries. Those who are injured need to know what legal steps they can take to seek appropriate workers’ comp benefits.