At some point, a Minnesota worker may be asked to use a stepladder on the job. Although they seem simple to use, it is possible to suffer injuries if they are not used properly. As such, the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety provided advice to help keep workers safe when using stepladders.
Prior to using a stepladder, employees and employers should look it over to ensure that there are no cracks or corrosion on any of the parts. They should also ensure that there are no slippery substances on the stepladder that could cause an employee to slip. The stepladder should be kept close to the task so that the employee does not have to reach over. Employees should fully lock the braces when using the stepladder to prevent it from collapsing while they are using it.
There are certain things employees should never do with a stepladder. These include attempting to move the stepladder while they are on it, sit or stand on the top of the stepladder or have more than one person on the stepladder at a time. They should also avoid climbing down the back of the stepladder as this can be
If employees suffers workplace injures while using a stepladder, they may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits could cover medical costs and in some cases provide partial wage replacement. An attorney may assist with filing the claim in a timely manner as well as providing advocacy at an appeals hearing if the claim is denied or disputed.