As Victorians prepare to deck their homes with Christmas decorations or complete jobs around the house during the upcoming holidays, the state is urging them to put ladder safety at the top of their to-do list.
Data from the Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit showed hospital admissions for ladder falls at home over the past decade have increased by 49 per cent among Victorians aged 55 years and older.
Most of those presenting at Victorian hospitals for ladder-related falls are male, and the large majority are aged between 50 and 79 years old.
Falling from a ladder can result in serious, and sometimes fatal injuries, including bone fractures and brain and head injuries, and those who are seriously injured can often struggle to fully recover from such physical trauma.
Lifelong injuries like these can affect basic everyday functions, such as walking and talking.
This can have a massive impact on an individual’s independence and quality of life and limit someone from taking public transport or driving.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said that ladder safety awareness is critical during the festive season.
“We know Victorians are looking forward to putting up Christmas lights and doing projects around the house this summer. If you’re going to use a ladder, use common sense and take the necessary precautions to prevent falls and serious injuries,” Ms Thomas said.
During the holidays and upcoming summer, the rate of people turning up at emergency departments with injuries from jobs at home increases exponentially, but there are simple things we can all do to stay safe at home.
Those climbing a ladder should always take the necessary precautions including:
‣ Making sure the ladder is the right height for the job and in good working condition.
‣ Placing the ladder on dry, firm and level ground away from outward-opening doors or windows.
‣ Staying in the centre of the ladder as they climb, and only climb as far as the second step from the top.
‣ Working within their arm’s reach and never lean too far from the ladder.
‣ Always maintaining three points of contact with the ladder, using both feet and one hand when using a tool.
‣ Ensuring someone else is home when climbing and ideally having someone to hold the ladder.
‣ Avoiding climbing in wet, windy, or hot weather.
