Each year there are on average 14 deaths and 1,200 injuries due to accidents involving workers using ladders and step ladders. The cause of many of these accidents is the improper or inappropriate use of the equipment and could therefore have been easily avoided.

If a ladder or step ladder is unstable, incorrectly put up, not fully opened or is simply too short it could cause the user to fall and result in serious injury. Employers should ensure that all employees are provided with the right sort of equipment to perform the task that is asked of them, given information and training on the use of ladders and stepladders and adequate supervision to ensure that safe practice is followed.

Employers should carry out a risk assessment before asking an employee to undertake work involving the use of a ladder or step ladder and consider the following points:

• Is the ladder/stepladder to be used the right one for the job.
• Has the employee received sufficient training to be able to use the ladder/stepladder.
• Is the employee fit to use a ladder/stepladder.
• Have all sensible safety precautions been taken.

Employers have a duty of care to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees when they are at work and may be held responsible if a worker is injured in an accident as a result of a breach in health and safety regulations.

Employees also have a responsibility for their own safety and should be able to refuse to carry out work that they believe is unsafe without being threatened with disciplinary action.

If you have been injured in any accident at work , including one involving the use of a ladder or stepladder you may be able to make a claim for personal injury compensation. Macks Solicitors is a well established firm with experienced personal injury lawyers who can give you expert legal advice on making a compensation claim.

Contact Macks Solicitors on 01642 252 828 or complete the Quick Claim form online and you will be contacted as quickly as possible.