WorkSafeBC, the agency dedicated to preventing workplace injuries, is issuing a warning to residents of British Columbia to exercise caution when using ladders during the holiday season.
The organization has highlighted a concerning trend of ladder-related accidents occurring in homes and workplaces throughout December. On average, 485 individuals in the province end up in the hospital each holiday season due to falls from ladders or scaffolding.
Suzana Prpic, Senior Manager of Prevention Services at WorkSafeBC, revealed that in 2024, they received 876 claims for injuries resulting from falls from ladders. Among these cases, 309 were categorized as severe and involved fractures, contusions, and strains.
Tragically, Prpic noted that in 2023, 21 workers lost their lives as a result of falling from heights. The risks are exacerbated when engaging in outdoor tasks like hanging holiday decorations or cleaning gutters, particularly in icy or cold conditions.
Improper ladder use, unguarded stairs, and inadequate fall protection were identified as primary factors contributing to these incidents, according to Prpic. She emphasized the importance of checking for power lines, wearing slip-resistant footwear, placing ladders on stable ground, and refraining from carrying heavy objects while climbing.
Prpic advised choosing the appropriate ladder for the task at hand and exploring safer options if scaffolding or elevated work platforms are available. She shared these safety tips during an interview with 1130 NewsRadio.