Ladder accidents can cause permanent disability

Construction worker safety is of utmost importance in Colorado, and ladder safety is one aspect that has recently received a lot of attention. The U.S. Department of Labor says roofers are at a particular risk, and between 75 and 100 of them are killed in workplace accidents every year. Around 75 percent of those deaths resulted from falls, some of which were no higher than four feet. It is not uncommon for a fall survivor to end up with a permanent disability.

Something positive was brought about by a fall incident in which a 30-year veteran construction worker suffered catastrophic injuries in 1986. Working as a roofer, he was involved in a fall the led to doctors doubting that he would ever be able to use his arms again — amputation of both arms was even considered. However, with perseverance and hard work, along with the assistance of medical professionals, he recovered. However, that experience spurred him to invent safety products to be used with ladders to reduce the risk of falls.

These safety devices were designed with the specific intention of protecting workers who have to use ladders on sloped surfaces — a frequent occurrence in the construction industry. The primary advantage of the safety device is the fact that it stabilizes a ladder without the need for a second person. It is an unmanned safeguard to protect roofers from falls.

Roofers and other construction workers in Colorado are at a high risk of suffering injuries that could lead to permanent disability. Victims of catastrophic injuries in workplace accidents can pursue financial help by filing workers’ compensation benefits claims. For those who are unable to return to their usual work, the insurance program typically provides additional benefits to either teach them new skills for jobs that will accommodate their disabilities or long-term financial assistance for those who can never work again.

Source: menafn.com, “EZLadder Guardian – A New Safety Solution for Construction”, Accessed on July 15, 2017

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