Carpenter Dies After Fall from 6-Foot Ladder —Kentucky

The following report is the product of our Cooperative State partner and is presented here in its original unedited form from the state. The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the individual Cooperative State partner and do not necessarily reflect the views or policy of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

SUMMARY

On August 9, 2023, a 52-year-old carpenter (victim) and his co-worker were obtaining measurements in preparation for a plywood installation project in a restaurant being constructed. In the process, the victim’s ladder overturned and he fell and struck the concrete surface below.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
Key contributing factors identified in this investigation include:

• Unrecognized job hazards,
• Safety training,
• Reaching outside ladder side rails.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Kentucky investigators concluded that, to help prevent similar occurrences, employers should:

• Implement a job hazard analysis process,
• When available, employees should utilize equipment that best reduces the risk of injury,
• Develop, implement, and enforce a formal health and safety program that includes ladder safety.

Carpenter Dies After Fall from 6-Foot Ladder—Kentucky [PDF – 826 KB]