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If you have been injured in a ladder accident at work or in the course of your employment and you believe the accident was caused, at least in part, because of someone else's negligence, then you should talk to Thompsons to see if you could make a claim.

Ladders are an easy way to access high areas, but they are not always the safest or most suitable method of working at height. In fact, statistics show that a third of all reported falls from height involve ladders and step ladders.

Ladders should only be used for short periods of time and in circumstances where their use is low risk or there is no alternative.

Causes of ladder accidents 

There are all manner of reasons why ladder accidents occur, but the list below details some of the main causes:

  • Wrong type of ladder used for the task
  • Condition of ladder: damage or wear to stiles, rungs, tie rods, feet, stays, rivets or welds.
  • Failure to carry out pre-use check of ladder
  • Improper ladder set up
  • Failure to maintain three points of contact with ladder while carrying out the task

There is a popular myth that ladders are banned under UK health and safety law, but this is not the case and, when used correctly, the Health and Safety Executive say they "can be a sensible and practical option for low-risk, short-duration tasks".

Safe use of ladders at work

Before instructing a worker to use a ladder or step ladder, employers must look at the risks posed by using the ladder and must satisfy themselves that there is no other more suitable equipment which should or could be used.

If a ladder is to be used, an employer must ensure:

  • A risk assessment has found that a ladder is the most suitable access equipment for the job
  • The task will take no longer than around 30 minutes
  • The ladder user will have access to firm, stable and suitable ground
  • the ladder can be properly secured
  • if the ladder rises a vertical distance of nine metres or more above its base, there should be suitable and safe landing areas or rest platforms
  • the ladder will be used in such a way to allow the user to have a secure handhold, where reasonably practicable
  • employees are trained in the safe use of ladders.

Employees have responsibilities too – they must ensure that the ground surface where they rest the ladder is even and appropriate and that they are not resting the ladder on or beside a spillage.

Compensation claims for ladder accidents

If you have suffered a ladder injury at work, contact our No Win No Fee lawyers today for free, no-obligation legal advice on your eligibility to claim. Call us on 0800 0891331. 

Legal services for 5 1177
Based on 2013 reviews
Excellent
5/5
5 / 5

Fantastic

Natalie has been amazing from start to finish. Very informative throughout the process, explaining things to ensure I always understood the process. Met with other employees who were professional and so friendly, making me feel at ease. I felt valued at all times. Would recommend 100%.

Amanda
17 October 2024
5 / 5

Very good advice and explanation of detail for my case

Excellent explanation of my case and very good advice

Jorge silva
4 October 2024
5 / 5

Guidance and Support

Robert Cranston and his team were very helpful and providing me with clarity and support throughout the whole process. I wasn't sure at first on the process and was anxious as never been in a position like that before. Robert eased fears and was extremely helpful from beginning to end. Thank you

Matthew Weir
20 August 2024
5 / 5

Great guidance and support

Robert and his team have provided really great support and guidance over what has been an almost 5 year process. Having never been in this situation before I wouldn’t have known what to expect or what was reasonable but I have had support each step of the way. Should I have to go through something like this again I would hope to be allocated the same team. Thank you!

Penny Thompson
8 August 2024
5 / 5

Excellent service

I found the whole team of Joel Very helpful and pleasant helpled through my claim explaining everything clearly as we went along Will definitely recommend them to anyone

John turner
25 July 2024
5 / 5

Professional service

Michael handled what was a very complex and long drawn out case with the utmost care and professionalism. He worked tirelessly to negotiate a sizeable settlement and ensured I was kept up-to-date throughout the process plus explained all the legal jargon clearly. Michael was always very polite and kind whenever we spoke and answered all questions and queries with such care. Michael truly is an asset to Thompsons and I would thoroughly recommend him to others.

Rebecca
26 June 2024
5 / 5

claim

Robert help get me get a settlement for my injury at work, he did this in a very professional way and managed to get me the best settlement for my case.

Anonymous
18 May 2024
5 / 5

Robert Cranston and Team

Having been appointed Robert Cranston and Thompsons Solicitors through my union (Unite), I was pleased initially by his great manners and positive attitude to what I though would be a mundane and relatively small job for him. I really wasn't expecting much from the whole experience. I couldn't have been more wrong. Robert gave me sound advice on what to expect, what time frame could be involved, and how many outside agencies could eventually take part in my case. He advised me to go ahead with legal action when I was really unsure as to whether there was any point in pursuing anything. Robert and his team involved a doctor, an employment expert, a pensions expert and even a psychiatrist to work on my case. This all took time and between Robert, and his team, I was kept fully informed and reassured about how things were going. My case was eventually settled at the pre trial meeting and I was given very sound advice as everything progressed towards that point. Ken and then Leo came on side to assist and provide advice with my case in the later stages, and along with Kath, Lyn and Yvonne, all working in the background, everything ended well into the evening at pre trial. Robert was always there for me. Questions were dealt with as I thought of them and I was reassured every time we spoke that I was being very well advised and cared for. Now that it's over, and I have time to reflect, I cannot fault Thompsons Solicitors in any way. I've been looked after since day one. My outcome, having been left with an amputation after an incident at work on another site, has far exceeded anything I could have initially imagined. It will help me and my wife to get on with our lives, which will of course never be as they previously were. I can wholly recommend Thompsons to look after anyone in need of a solicitor. Thank you Robert and the whole team ( Leo, Ken, Kath, Lyn and Yvonne). You've changed our future in the most positive way. With kind regards and best wishes.. Alan

Alan
27 March 2024
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