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November 23, 2022
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November 29, 2022
‘Tis the season to start pulling out the Christmas decorations, cleaning out the gutters, and hanging up those Christmas lights.
If these tasks involve the use of a ladder for you, AMA (NSW) is urging you to also add ‘revise ladder safety guidelines’ to your holiday to-do list.
“Before going to extreme heights this holiday season, it’s important to be aware of how to use a ladder correctly,” said Dr Ken McCroary, AMA (NSW) Councillor and general practitioner.
“Over the years I’ve seen dozens of injuries caused by falling off ladders, many of which were because of inappropriate or incorrect use of ladders,” Dr McCroary said.
The Australian Insitute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reported that from 2019-2020 almost 6,000 people were hospitalised due to falling from a ladder.
“Common injuries include fractured limbs, spinal cord damage, or severe brain injury. Falls from ladders can even result in death.
“You don’t have to fall far to sustain a serious injury; one to two metres can be enough,” Dr McCroary said.
AMA (NSW) Councillor and general practitioner, Dr Elizabeth Marles, advises people to check that the ladder is the correct height for the job and is in good use without signs of rust, warping, corrosion, or missing rivets before use.
“It’s crucial to use the correct ladder at the correct height. If you’re using a ladder extension, the top of the ladder should always extend at least one metre over the top of the surface it is resting on,” said Dr Marles.
“Another thing to remember is to always work within arm’s reach of the ladder. You should never have to lean out too far – and if you can’t reach, climb down and reposition the ladder. I’ve had many patients experience bad falls because they were overstretching themselves.
“Extra precaution needs to be in place when grabbing items from above, especially heavier items, as this can cause strains and can lead you to losing your balance,” Dr Marles said.
Never use a ladder if you’re alone and cannot get assistance in case of an accident. Having someone hold the ladder below and passing/receiving items is the safest option.
Other safety measures include placing a ladder on dry, firm, and level ground and engaging all locks and braces before climbing, as well as never using a ladder in rainy or windy conditions.
“If you do experience a fall from a ladder the main thing to do is stay calm, take things slow, and assess if you’re in pain.
“If you’ve landed on your back and feel pain or cannot sit up, stay as still as you can as you wait for assistance,” Dr McCroary said.
Ladder accidents can be scary and stressful for you and your family, and even if your injuries seem minor, they could have lasting consequences. If you’re unsure about whether you should see a doctor after you’ve fallen, some symptoms to look out for include concussion, weakness or numbness in the body, loss of consciousness, nausea, and persistent pain.
“Whether you’re putting up the Christmas lights, or doing odd jobs around the house, it’s important to practice caution when climbing and standing on a ladder,” Dr McCroary said.
More information on ladder safety can be found here: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/hazards-a-z/ladders
Media contact: 0419 402 955