Spring has finally sprung! Before you start to chip away at any home improvement projects that involve climbing up a ladder, consider the inherent dangers. Keep these basic safety precautions in mind so you don’t become a statistic. Speaking of statistics, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that thousands of people are injured and hundreds are killed every year in ladder-related accidents, with 90,000 people requiring emergency room treatment. Elevated falls account for almost 700 occupational deaths annually, which comprises 15-20% of all work-related deaths. Over the past decade the numbers have steadily increased. (Source) Experts agree that human error is by far the leading cause of these accidents. OSHA has stated that 100% of all ladder accidents could be prevented if proper attention to equipment and climber training were provided. The most frequent cause of accidents is people attempting to carry objects up the ladder with them. Before climbing, keep this in mind: Follow these steps for proper use: Most ladder falls can be avoided entirely when people follow good practices, inspect their ladder before each use, and keep safety in mind. Don’t rush to complete your household project list and remember these important safety steps. Our team of forensic engineers have experience inspecting faulty products for liability. Don’t let yourself become a statistic!