Ladder Support Tips from OSHA

Ladder falls are an extremely common type of occupational injury. Each year, thousands of workers suffer from these types of injuries that can damage the spine, break limbs, harm joints or cause other types of serious health problems. But how do workers and companies take steps to avoid these kinds of injuries? The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has provided a number of useful tips on ladder safety. Looking at some of these in detail can help workers and managers understand the most important parts of ladder safety. Following Instructions Ladders are supposed to be built with applicable safety information that is often printed on ladder steps or other areas of the physical products. Reading that information and adhering to it will help cut down the number of ladder injuries that occur in the field. Look for Bare Wires or Electrical Hazards Another type of ladder fall happens when metal ladders interact with live wires or electrically conductive materials. Experts urge workers to always look for live power lines or wires and avoid contact, which includes trying to stabilize a ladder on power or electrical lines. Test Surfaces Another fundamental rule for ladder use is to never put a ladder on an unstable surface. This means ladders should only be used on level ground or floor surfaces as opposed to stacked items, such as boxes, boards etc. Following this rule can save lives and prevent serious harm. Securing Ladders In many cases, having a ladder ‘spotter’ person available or using structural securing tools will make ladder work a lot safer. This is another area where consistent policy leads to better safety. Look for Slippery Materials Just as a sheet of ice will make a floor or ground surface treacherous, slippery materials on ladder rungs or rails can be perilous for the ladder user. It is important to look out for any instances of slick or slippery ladder surfaces that are covered with items like occupational chemicals, water or ice, oils, etc. In cases involving ladder falls at construction sites, knowledgeable attorneys will consider various factors when examining whether an employer or some other party is responsible for the victim’s injuries. This will include reviewing the policies and safety procedures that were in place at the time of the accident, the ladders and equipment that were used, the training that was provided, along with a host of other factors. New York City construction accident lawyers treat ladder injuries seriously, along with other types of construction injuries that can stem from scaffolding accidents and roofing accidents. In the state of New York, Section 240 of the state Labor Law helps protect workers and provides them with the opportunity to obtain compensation that can be used to cover medical costs, as well as pain and suffering. Attorneys who have experience with the law can often secure damages for workers who have fallen from ladders and help them obtain monies to which they may be entitled under the New York State medical fund. If you or someone in your family has suffered a construction accident involving a ladder or any other kind of accident, call the professional New York City injury attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff. Across the five boroughs and beyond, we help families recover the funds they need for the care and recovery of a loved one. We know how to handle injury cases in local courts, and we will help you throughout the entire process. Let us help ensure your rights are protected under the law.