Height safety is urgent. Ladder‐related falls carry a considerable burden not only to the emergency department (ED) but to the regular ladder user. Recommendations include ladder safety interventions that target ladder users most at risk of falls (Cabilan, 2018).
According to data published by the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), more than 20.000 US workers are injured each year from ladder falls. Furthermore, as the US population and associated workforce continues to shift to an older age distribution, prevention of ladder falls is emerging as a workplace safety priority. A study by Diggs et al (2005) reported that 47% of all patients hospitalized for a ladder fall (work and non-work) were over 55 years of age, compared to only 16% of patients who fell from other structures such as, building, window or scaffolding. Risks for falls for older people are much greater for ladders when compared to other fatal injuries, including other falls from elevation. Given this, it is essential to follow safety protocols and to use Ladder Safety Device/s.