Falls from height are a major cause of serious injury in the workplace and in fact are the most frequent cause of fatal accidents. They are also one of the most common causes of serious and major industries.

A large proportion of these falls result from Ladder Accidents which occur throughout industry and are not necessarily confined to certain areas such as the building industry. However some 50% of deaths in the construction industry result from falls from height.

Causes of ladder accidents include:

1. Movement of the ladder sideways or outwards often due to inadequate securing of the ladder
2. Overreaching/overbalancing possibly caused by using ladder of incorrect length, use of ladder in unsuitable situation or wrongly positioned ladder
3. Defects in ladder - eg. worn, damaged or dirty/greasy/oily rungs
4. Falls as a result of carrying tools or equipment or other loads
5. Falls while climbing on to or getting off the ladder
6. Ladder being struck by vehicle or mobile plant

Although the use of ladders is commonplace in industry, misuse is also common and it is essential that correct training is given with adequate supervision.

Their are many regulations specifically relating to safety in the use of ladders and in addition to the requirement to comply with these, employers have a duty at Common Law to prevent injury to employees. A breach of duty or regulations may leave the employer liable at law to pay compensation to the injured person.

If you have been injured in a ladder accident or other fall from height in the last three years and would like to know whether you may be entitled to compensation, please complete the Application Form and we will provide a Free Legal Assessment of your claim. We will handle your claim on a No Win No Fee basis at no cost to you.

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