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The Most Common ladder Accidents And How You Can Avoid Them


Recently, a study was commissioned and the startling result is that 225,000 accidents happen each year that are directly related to ladder misuse, abuse, or mishandling.

John Drengenberg, manager of Consumer Affairs at Underwriters Laboratories Inc., warns users by stating, "The number of emergency room visits from ladder-related injuries totals more than those for lawnmowers and home workshop saws combined. Of course the ladder is dangerous only if it is improperly used. So, whether you're standing on a step ladder to change a light bulb in the living room or on an extension ladder to clean out the gutters, a few precautions can keep you safe around the home."

His point of view should be noted because he is the manager of Consumer Affairs at Underwriters Laboratories Inc., Northbrook, III. Underwriters Laboratories Inc is a non-profit product safety testing organization.

The most common ladder accidents occur when work is done in the vicinity of electricity.

Dirty, neglected, and moist rungs are another major source of accidental injury.

Another highly common ladder accident occurs when the ladder is not placed on a firm, level surface. Setting the ladder on a muddy, uneven, or soft ground has proven to be a significant cause of ladder accidents.

What often happens is that the user leaves the ladder unattended, which increases injury risk to others.

Overstretching for an item while on the ladder is also a common cause of ladder accidents. If the balance of the ladder is corrupted while in use, it often ends in a fatal accident.

There are even reports that leaving the door unlocked while working in front of it on a ladder resulted in an accident. If this sounds too unlikely, then it is worth mentioning that statistically speaking, this type of accident comes within the range of most common ladder accidents.

Climbing a ladder with the user's hand full of different tools and articles automatically raises the chance of an accident. This is a very common mishap.

A specific ladder that has seen its fair share of accidents is the step ladder. Here, if the spreaders are not open and specifically locked, an accident is just waiting to happen.

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