February 28, 2014. For many employers, ladder safety on the job site is an often overlooked priority involving a risk that can lead to serious injury and death. I personally have defended companies whose employees fell to the their tragic death from a simple step ladder incident. More than 90,000 people receive emergency room treatment from ladder-related injuries every year. Elevated falls account for almost 700 occupational deaths annually. These deaths account for 15% of all occupational deaths. OSHA believes 100% of all ladder accidents could be prevented if proper attention to equipment and climber training were provided. Over the last 10 years the amount of ladder-related injuries has increased 50%. According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 50% of all ladder-related accidents were due to individuals carrying items as they climbed. The most common type of ladder-related injury, with 32%, is fractures.
To learn more about an employer's obligation to comply with ladder safety and all other aspects of OSHA workplace safety requirements, contact the Goosmann Law Firm at info@goosmannlaw.com or call 712-226-4000.