Ladders are used across many industries, including construction, retail, maintenance, utility work and grounds-keeping. Working from any height can be dangerous. It only takes one error in judgment to slip, or misstep to fall.

According to an article in Occupational Health & Safety, many serious injuries and deaths resulting from falls that happen from heights of less than 10 feet.

The dangers of working with ladders

There are a number of reasons why this can happen, including:

• Worker distraction: Something as common as a conversation between two workers or a cellphone notification can lead to distraction.
• Slippery surface on a ladder: Water, spilled liquids, and other slippery substances can significantly increase the risk of falling.
• Incorrect placement and use of a ladder: Ladders should be placed on an even ground surface and should be sturdy. Any wiggle room can lead to instability.
• Worker complacency: Some workers become overconfident when working on ladders and fail to take adequate safety precautions.
• Fatigue: Fatigue happens when workers don’t get enough sleep, work long hours, or overexert themselves on the job. Fatigued workers are more prone to errors that can lead to falls.
• Stress: Working too fast to keep up with demands can lead to poor safety practices and dangerous errors.

How can accidents involving ladders be prevented?

Another article by Occupational Safety & Health suggests doing the following to prevent ladder accidents:

• Ensure that the right ladder is being used: Workers should not be overextending or reaching to perform a task on a ladder. When workers find themselves doing this, then they are likely not using the right sized ladder for the job.
• Maintain three points of contact: When using a ladder, workers should maintain three points of contact: hands, knees, and feet. Hands and feet should firmly grip each step on the ladder and knees should make contact for added stability.
• Avoid overreaching: When using the right sized ladder, workers shouldn’t have to reach for an item or to perform a task. Instead, it would be better to readjust the ladder.
• Use the 4-1 ratio: For every four feet of ladder length used, the base should be moved pulled away from the wall by one foot.
• Ensure ladder is level: A ladder should never wobble or feel unsteady. Instead, it should be placed on an even surface or adjusted with an integrated leg leveler.
• Inspect ladder: It’s important to always inspect a ladder before using it. Check for dents, cracks, or damage to the legs, steps, or base.
• Watch out for electric conductivity: Those who work around electricity should avoid using aluminum or ladders made from other metals. Instead, fiberglass ladders (which are non-conductive) should be used to avoid electric shocks from occurring.
• Watch your step: About 20 percent of ladder-related injuries occur when someone misses the bottom step of a ladder. When stepping down from a ladder, be sure to watch your footing to avoid slipping and falling.

If you were injured in a ladder accident at work, you have the right to obtain workers’ compensation benefits to cover your medical expenses and lost wages. An experienced Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorney at The Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl can help guide you through the process and maximize your chances of getting compensated.

To schedule your free case evaluation, contact us online or call us at 508-677-4900.

Governor Charlie Baker issued a statewide stay-at-home order in March, which will stay in effect until further notice. Many Massachusetts businesses have closed their doors as a result, but some employees have the luxury of working from home.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 29 percent of U.S. employees (42 million workers) are capable of working remotely when needed. If you were hurt on the job while working from home, it’s important that you know your rights. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can answer any questions you have regarding your at-home work injury.

Can I collect workers’ compensation if injured at home?

Accidents can happen anywhere. Remote workers are just as likely to be injured on the job at home as they are at a physical location. There are many possibilities of how an injury can happen at home. Some examples include:

• A worker trips and falls while walking from one room to another
• A worker develops tendinitis or other joint-related issue

Workers’ compensation usually covers work-related injuries that happen outside of the physical location of employment. However, it must be proven that the injury was sustained within the scope of your employment. This can be difficult to prove, since the injury could have happened during off-hours.

At-home work injuries count while an employee is either performing work-related duties or while on break. It’s best to inform your employer immediately if you sustained an injury. This way it can be documented at the time the injury occurred.

How can I reduce my chances of having my claim denied?

It’s very common for workers’ compensation claims due to at-home work injuries to be denied. This can happen when a claim form isn’t filled out correctly or there is insufficient evidence that an injury happened within the scope of employment. Even if your claim is legitimate, the insurance company who represents your employer will look for any reason to deny your claim.

Workers’ compensation claims can be confusing for those who don’t know how the legal system works. However, you can minimize the chances of a claim denial by consulting with an experienced Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorney. The Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl can ensure that all paperwork is properly filled out and all needed documentation is provided before your trial.

To find out how we can help you, contact us online or call us at (508) 677-4900. We offer free case reviews and can speak to you remotely via FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype.