In many professions, you’re required to use a ladder on a daily basis. For example, if you’re a painter or roofer, you spend a good amount of your day on a ladder, as it helps speed up your work and complete the job in the best manner possible.
But here’s the problem: Anyone can suffer an injury in a ladder accident at work. Should this happen, such as the result of a slip and fall to the ground below, here’s what you need to do:
- Assess your injuries: Depending on the type of accident, you could suffer injuries as serious as broken bones or concussion.
- Call for help: After a personal assessment, if possible, call 911 for help. The responding paramedics can assess your situation, provide treatment at the scene and transport you to a local hospital. This is preferred to treating injuries on your own, as it’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Report the accident: As soon as possible, preferably before leaving the scene, report the accident to your supervisor. Not only does it help you make it clear that you were injured on the job, but it can also protect your co-workers from similar trouble.
After you do the above, you’ll find yourself in a better position to file a workers’ compensation claim and receive benefits until you’re able to return to work.
If you don’t protect your legal rights under the workers’ compensation system, you could miss out on thousands of dollars that are rightfully owed to you. Don’t make this mistake, as it can greatly impact your financial future.
