The mechanism and severity of nonoccupational ladder fall injuries

Abstract

Methods: A series of 131 patients aged 15 years or older with nonoccupational fall injuries from ladders admitted to Odense University Hospital, Denmark were studied. Results: The mean age was 53 years, and 107 were males. Males most frequently fell from straight tilting ladders outdoors when performing activities such as repairing, painting, or cleaning up gutters, whereas females most frequently fell from stepladders indoors performing activities such as repairing, painting, or getting objects from an attic. The majority of accidents occurred as the patient reached too far sideways causing the ladder to tip or slip. Males fell, as an average, from a higher mean height than females. About one-fifth of the patients were hospitalized with a median number of 5 days in the hospital. Half of the registered injuries were contusions or sprains, whereas about one-third were fractures or dislocations. The extremities were most commonly injured. The majority of the patients suffered from minor to moderate injuries [Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale (MAIS) 2–3]. Impact on industry: In our study, the majority of the patients reported no or minor knowledge about safety regulations. It seems obvious to extend information and knowledge of safety regulations to the public concerning the nonoccupational use of ladders. The information should include all models of ladders with particular emphasis on the level of stability.