An electrician working on the popular home renovation show, Home Town, suffered a terrible fall from a ladder weeks ago and now faces a long recovery due to the severe injuries he sustained. While many in the home audience rarely think about the risks associated with using ladders to complete a home project or perform duties at work, ladder fall accidents are all too common particularly in the workplace.
According to the CDC, half a million people are treated and more than 300 fatalities related to ladder falls occur in the U.S. every year. Work related ladder falls result in one death and more than 180 nonfatal injuries every two days in America. In the workplace, the causes of ladder falls can range from choosing the wrong ladder for a job to incorrect set up, typically due to a lack of proper training or supervision on the job. To prevent ladder falls in the workplace it is important for employers to ensure that employees receive training on the proper use of ladders depending on the job to be performed, that all equipment is in good working order, and that the work area is free from known hazards. Ladder falls are among a long list of preventable injuries that can be avoided if the necessary precautions are taken. Reducing injuries and fatalities on the job should always be priority number one.
Annually, ladder accidents cost 24 billion in work losses, medical, legal liability, pain and suffering. Workers who are injured on the job often face temporary or permanent disabilities, lost wages, and medical bills often faced with employers or workers’ compensation insurance companies who deny the benefits they need and deserve. If you or a family member has been injured in a ladder fall or other work related injury, it is important to contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact the Des Moines Workers’ Compensation law offices of Stoltze & Stoltze PLC for immediate assistance today 515-244-1473.
