Construction projects usually require significant planning, manpower and tools to complete. While much time and effort is put forth to ensure that these projects are started on time and efficiently completed, issues and problems could arise. One of these could be a construction accident. While the causes of a construction worker accident can be numerous, falls tend to be a major culprit. One cause of a fall could be due to a ladder.
What are the causes of ladder accidents? Based on current statistics, more than 90,000 people are treated in emergency departments each year because of a ladder-related injury. Roughly 700 occupational deaths occur each year because of an elevated fall from a ladder. Even more so, these deaths account for 15 percent of all occupational deaths occurring in the U.S.
Based on current numbers and trends it was found that over the past decade the number of ladder-related injuries have increased 50 percent. The most common type of injury suffered after a ladder accident is fractures, which make up 32 percent of the injuries. It was also determined that a significant number of ladder accidents – 50 percent – were due to workers carrying items while they climb a ladder.
No matter the cause of a ladder accident, it is important to understand what can be done after suffering injuries from this or any other type of construction accident. Such an injury could cause a worker to require medical treatment and rehabilitation. It could also cause financial hardship because of lost wages. In these matters, seeking workers’ compensation may be o recovering necessary benefits to help address these losses and damages.