If you have been injured in a ladder accident at work or in the course of your employment and you believe the accident was caused, at least in part, because of someone else's negligence, then you should talk to Thompsons to see if you could make a claim.
Ladders are an easy way to access high areas, but they are not always the safest or most suitable method of working at height. In fact, statistics show that a third of all reported falls from height involve ladders and step ladders.
Ladders should only be used for short periods of time and in circumstances where their use is low risk or there is no alternative.
Causes of ladder accidents
There are all manner of reasons why ladder accidents occur, but the list below details some of the main causes:
- Wrong type of ladder used for the task
- Condition of ladder: damage or wear to stiles, rungs, tie rods, feet, stays, rivets or welds.
- Failure to carry out pre-use check of ladder
- Improper ladder set up
- Failure to maintain three points of contact with ladder while carrying out the task
There is a popular myth that ladders are banned under UK health and safety law, but this is not the case and, when used correctly, the Health and Safety Executive say they "can be a sensible and practical option for low-risk, short-duration tasks".
Safe use of ladders at work
Before instructing a worker to use a ladder or step ladder, employers must look at the risks posed by using the ladder and must satisfy themselves that there is no other more suitable equipment which should or could be used.
If a ladder is to be used, an employer must ensure:
- A risk assessment has found that a ladder is the most suitable access equipment for the job
- The task will take no longer than around 30 minutes
- The ladder user will have access to firm, stable and suitable ground
- the ladder can be properly secured
- if the ladder rises a vertical distance of nine metres or more above its base, there should be suitable and safe landing areas or rest platforms
- the ladder will be used in such a way to allow the user to have a secure handhold, where reasonably practicable
- employees are trained in the safe use of ladders.
Employees have responsibilities too – they must ensure that the ground surface where they rest the ladder is even and appropriate and that they are not resting the ladder on or beside a spillage.
Compensation claims for ladder accidents
If you have suffered a ladder injury at work, contact our No Win No Fee lawyers today for free, no-obligation legal advice on your eligibility to claim. Call us on 0800 0891331.
