Ladder Fall Accident Compensation Claim

Find out what a ladder fall accident claim is; the law in the UK which ensures your safety when using a ladder; how your employer should ensure that a ladder is safe to use with free online specialist solicitor assessment of your ladder fall accident.

What is a ladder fall accident claim?

If you are use a ladder as part of your work, fall and suffer injury – you might be entitled to make a ladder fall accident claim for compensation.

Your solicitor would need to prove that your employer was legally at fault for your accident to win your claim.

The compensation you can claim would be a sum of money to compensate you for the pain and suffering your injury causes you to experience (such as a broken leg or arm) together with compensation monies for any expenses and financial losses you may incur as a direct result of your ladder fall injuries (such as lost income, medical expenses, etc.).

What is the UK law designed to protect you from falling off a ladder at work?

If you work at heights you will realise how dangerous such an activity can be. The government recognises this and put in place specific laws to protect you known as the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

What duties does your employer have to prevent you from injury when working on a ladder?

Working at heights, including use of a ladder, is considered an inherently dangerous activity, An employer should ensure the following steps should be taken to prevent a ladder fall accident:

1) Avoid Use Of A Ladder If Possible

The ladder should not be used if it is possible to do the task at ground level or other more suitable work equipment could be used, such as scaffolding, etc.

2) Make A Proper Risk Assessment If A Ladder Must Be Used

If the ladder has to be used then a proper risk assessment should be completed to prevent a ladder fall accident.

Use of a ladder might be justified due to the job being temporary (a quick job might not justify the expense of erecting scaffolding) or due to the nature of the site (access to the site might be limited resulting in a ladder being the most effective piece of equipment to get the job done)

3) Should Not Be Used On An Uneven Surface

The ladder must only be used on a surface which allows the rungs and steps of the ladder to be horizontal, so the surface the ladder rests on must be stable and able to support the weight of the ladder and anyone using it. Unstable ladders can often lead to a worker falling from heights and causing significant injury.

4) Properly Secure The Ladder In The Correct Position

Even if the floor is suitable it is essential that a ladder must be put in a correct position to ensure it is stable and properly secured.

5) Mobile Ladders Should Be Tied To Prevent Movement And Ladder Fall Accidents

If the ladder is portable or mobile it should be tied or secured at the foot or the top to ensure it cannot move or be places on an anti-slip surface. Alternatively other means could be employed to prevent a portable ladder from moving, such as having another employee foot the ladder.

Many serious ladder fall accidents happen when a ladder simply slips and falls causing an employee to fall a large distance to the ground.

6) Special Requirements For Ladders Used As Access

If a ladder is to be used for access (perhaps to access areas during construction of a building) it should extend above the place of landing so that there is no possibility of you slipping or, if this is not possible, grips or rails should be provided to ensure you can gain a firm handhold.

7) Extension Ladders Should Be Avoided Or Moveable Sections Secured

The use of extension ladders or interlocking ladders should not be used other than if the moveable sections can be properly secured, so as not to move when in use and inadvertently cause a ladder fall accident.

8) Should Not Extend More Than 9 Metres

Ladders should not extend for more than 9 metres without flat platforms or landing areas at suitable intervals.

9) Ladders Must Have A Secure Handhold To Prevent A Fall

Ladders should be used in such a way to allow you to always have a secure handhold available. If it is not possible to secure a handhold when carrying items on the ladder – the task should be risk assessed to ensure your ladder safety at all times.

Free Online And Direct Dial Telephone Solicitor Legal Help

If you have fallen off a ladder at work – it is likely you will have suffered significant injury and you will need the help of a specialist lawyer to help you with your claim. Before choosing a solicitor – you may wish to discuss your ladder fall accident circumstances and options available to you.

We offer specialist solicitor free online / telephone help – you can speak direct to a specialist solicitor, arrange a callback, ask an online question or have your potential claim assessed.