If you have visited any construction site, you will likely see ladders everywhere. They might be leaning against walls, propped up in stairwells, or tucked into the back of a truck, ready for the next task.
They’re one of the most reliable tools on a job site and one of the most dangerous.
How common are ladder accidents on construction sites? Every year, thousands of construction workers are injured in ladder accidents. Unfortunately, many of them are doing a task that they have done a hundred times before. These aren’t freak occurrences or rare “one-in-a-million” moments.
Construction worksite accidents happen every single day across the country, and most could have been prevented with a little more caution, better equipment, or stronger safety oversight.
The Numbers Behind the Risk
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls remain the number one cause of death in the construction industry. And with those falls, ladders and scaffolds are one of the biggest culprits.
In fact, nearly one in five fatal falls in construction involves a ladder. When you look at nonfatal injuries, the numbers are even higher. A University of Pennsylvania Environmental Health & Radiation Safety article stated that more than 80% of fall-related emergency room visits for construction workers involved a ladder.
Why Ladder Accidents Are Common
Ladders sometimes get taken for granted. But that is exactly what makes them risky. Most ladder accidents trace back to one of a few common causes:
- Improper setup or placement: A ladder resting on uneven ground or leaning at the wrong angle can slide out from under a worker in seconds.
- Using the wrong type of ladder: A lightweight or household ladder is not built for heavy-duty construction work, and using it on a job site can lead to collapse or tipping.
- Carrying tools while climbing: Workers often climb with one hand full, breaking the “three points of contact” safety rule, and making it much easier to lose balance.
- Weather and site conditions: Rain, mud, and high winds make ladders slippery hazards.
- Fatigue or rushing: Tight deadlines and long days often lead workers to skip quick inspections or take shortcuts to save time.
Unfortunately, it does not take a tall ladder or a dramatic fall to cause life-changing harm. Even a six-foot fall can lead to a serious spinal injury or traumatic brain injury.
The Impact on Workers and Their Families
Behind every fall is a real person. They were just someone who wanted to finish their shift and go home safely. Ladder accidents can mean more than time off work. They bring long recoveries, chronic pain, and financial stress.
In some cases, injured workers find themselves caught in a frustrating cycle: medical bills pile up, insurance delays occur, and employers are reluctant to take responsibility. For families, that can mean months of uncertainty and lost income.
And when a fall turns fatal, the consequences ripple out even further. That means coworkers, friends, and loved ones are left behind to pick up the pieces.
Safety Rules Are Clear but Not Always Followed
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has clear, detailed regulations for ladder use on construction sites. Some key requirements include:
- Ladders must support at least four times the maximum intended load.
- Ladders must extend at least three feet above the landing surface.
- Damaged or defective ladders must be tagged and removed from service immediately.
- Workers must maintain three points of contact at all times.
Even with these rules in place, ladder violations consistently appear on OSHA’s list of most frequently cited safety issues every year. This is not about a lack of regulation; it’s enforcement and awareness.
Legal Options After a Ladder Accident
If you or someone you love has been injured in a ladder accident on a construction site, you have legal rights. Depending on the circumstances, there may be multiple paths to compensation:
- Workers’ compensation: Most construction workers are covered by workers’ comp. This can help with medical expenses and lost wages.
- Third-party claims: If a defective ladder, unsafe worksite, or another contractor’s negligence caused the accident, you may be able to file a claim outside of workers’ comp.
- Wrongful death claims: For families who have lost a loved one in a fall, legal action can help cover funeral costs and future financial support.
Construction sites often involve layers of contractors, subcontractors, and safety responsibilities. Sorting out who is legally liable can be complicated. This is the type of case where having an experienced attorney is needed for your potential claim.
A good lawyer can investigate what went wrong, determine whether OSHA violations occurred, and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Most importantly, they allow you to focus on healing while they handle the red tape and insurance battles that follow.
We’re Here for You After a Work Injury
Ladders are one of the oldest tools in construction. Unfortunately, every year, too many workers are hurt or killed in falls that could have been prevented with better training, equipment, and oversight.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a ladder fall, Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan is ready to handle your case. We have helped countless construction workers recover compensation for their injuries and rebuild their lives after these workplace accidents.