Bridgeport Workers' Compensation Law Blog

When setting a ladder, there's nothing more important than finding a firm foundation. If you neglect to do this, you greatly increase the risk of an accident.

Here are four tips you can follow to ensure that you safely set your ladder:

• Avoid soft surfaces: If you place a ladder on a soft surface, there's a greater chance it will shift once you put your weight on it.
• Don't lean your ladder: Rather than lean your ladder against a structure, such as a building, use all four legs. If the ladder is meant to lean, be sure the structure is secure and stable.
• Don't place a ladder on another object: For example, you may get the idea to place a step ladder on a box to increase its height. It sounds harmless enough, but it can compromise your balance.
• Watch for slopes: When working outdoors, it's not always easy to find a flat spot to place your ladder. You must watch for slopes, as the higher you go on the ladder the greater chance there is that it will tip.

Even though you have no intention of suffering an on-the-job injury, this could happen at any time. It doesn't matter if you work in a dangerous field or sit at your desk all day, you never know what will happen.

There are some key steps to take if you suffer an on-the-job injury:

• Obtain first aid: It doesn't matter if you treat yourself or ask others for help, it's imperative to treat your injuries as quickly as possible. Furthermore, make sure you call for an ambulance if you require transportation to a local hospital.
• Notify your company: Let your employer know how the accident occurred, where it occurred and what type of injuries you're dealing with. It's important to do this as soon as possible, as you want to make it clear that your injuries occurred at work.
• Follow the advice of your medical team: Depending on your injuries, you may not be able to immediately return to work. Your doctor may suggest that you take time away in order to recover. This is particularly true if you work in a physically demanding field.

Although whiplash is typically associated with car accidents, this injury can result from any type of impact that causes your head and neck to jerk. With stretching and tearing of your muscles and tendons, there's a good chance you'll experience immediate pain and discomfort.

Some other symptoms of whiplash include:

• Decreased range of motion
• Tightness in and around the neck area
• Tenderness
• Headaches, particularly at the base of the skull

If you work indoors, you may never think twice about being part of a slip-and-fall accident. You assume that the floors are clean and clear, allowing you to make it through your day without incident.

Unfortunately, this doesn't necessarily hold true. You could be part of an indoor slip-and-fall accident for many reasons, including the following:

• Wet spots: There are many causes of wet floors, ranging from rainwater from the outside to the use of too much cleaner.
• Debris: It only takes one piece of debris, such as a newspaper, to cause a slip-and-fall accident.
• The use of too much polish: There are many benefits of floor polish, but too much of this can result in a slick surface that reduces traction.
• Torn or worn carpet: For example, if a piece of carpet is torn and sticking up from the rest, it can act as a trip hazard.
• Missing or damaged step: Either of these things makes it more difficult to navigate a set of stairs, especially in the event that you're not paying close attention to every move you make.