In Ohio and across America, the number of injuries involving ladders has increased in recent decades. According to OSHA, the majority of these injuries occurred because workers were not given adequate training on how to use ladders safely. For instance, they were not shown how to place the ladder or how to make sure that it was in good working condition before climbing on it.
In some cases, injuries don’t occur because of the ladders themselves. It is possible that a person could be hurt because of contact with a power line. A person could also be hurt after tripping over or otherwise colliding with ladders that were placed in inappropriate locations. If an individual is hurt in a ladder accident, it could result in a long-term injury that he or she may not fully recover from. Therefore, employers should invest in safety training and look to create comprehensive safety protocol.
These safety procedures should also account for those working under a ladder as it is possible for objects to fall from heights. OSHA regulations dictate what type of rungs are used, and it is recommended that they be coated to reduce the likelihood of a fall. Furthermore, existing regulations determine how far apart rungs should be as well as how a ladder should be braced.
Those who are hurt in construction accidents may spend weeks or months out of work recovering from their injuries. In some cases, they may never work again. However, they may be entitled to a portion of their income in a workers’ compensation case. An attorney may assist an injured person in obtaining compensation that he or she may be entitled to. In addition to lost wages, medical bills might be paid in full as part of a workers’ compensation claim.