Don’t forget to follow these ladder safety tips

It’s easy to take ladder safety for granted. This is particularly true if you have many years of experience using a ladder on job sites.

While experience is a good thing, it’s no guarantee that you’ll never be involved in a ladder accident.

Here are three ladder safety tips that can help you prevent trouble:

• Maintain three points of contact: You should always have two hands and one foot or one hand and two feet on the ladder. This helps you maintain stability on your way up and down.
• Inspect the ladder before use: Ladders don’t last forever, so don’t assume that your ladder is defect- and damage-free. A quick inspection can go a long way in helping you pinpoint any issues that could cause an accident.
• Watch where you set the ladder: To start, your ladder should be placed on firm, level ground. Also, don’t put it in close proximity to opening doors, vehicle traffic or pedestrian traffic.

Once you get into the habit of following these ladder safety tips, they’ll become second nature.

If you’re injured in a ladder accident at work, do the following:

• Administer first aid to stabilize your injuries
• Call 911 for help, if necessary
• Seek immediate medical attention
• Report the incident to your employer
• Follow the guidance of your medical team

If you learn that your injuries will keep you out of work, share this information with your employer and then file a workers’ compensation claim. By receiving financial benefits, you’ll find it easier to recover from your injuries. If your claim is denied, an experienced attorney can help you file an appeal.