Man airlifted after ladder fall
A man has been airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital after he fell three metres from a ladder in Pretty Beach on Friday afternoon.
CareFlight’s rapid response helicopter was called to the scene shortly after 4 pm.
The helicopter landed at a school near the scene.
The man, believed to be aged in his 60s, suffered head injuries following the incident.
Ambulance paramedics brought the man to the helicopter where he was treated by the medical team before being airlifted to the hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Falls from ladders can have devastating consequences. According to SafeWork SA, ladders should only be used if there is no other reasonably practicable alternative, such as scaffolding or an elevating work platform.
If you must use a ladder before you start work:
- conduct a hazard identification and risk assessment
- install a barricade or warning signs if there is a potential hazard to people near the work area
- ensure that the ladder has an angle or pitch of about 1:4 (one out and four up)
- ensure that the ladder extends, at least, one metre above the landing
- ensure that the ladder is installed on a stable surface
- secure the top and bottom of the ladder so it cannot shift position
- ensure that a non-conductive, insulated ladder is used for electrical work or near electrical hazards
- ensure that the ladder will not be used in a manner that endangers any person
- check any older steel-tubing ladders for suitability to the task.
Author: Stephen
Source: www.safetyculture.com.au
