Christmas ladder safety

Dr. Ronald Connor on Holiday Ladder Safety

The holidays are here and so are holiday injuries.

Every orthopaedic surgeon has heard too many tales of injuries occurring at this time of year.

I will never forget treating a gentleman who fell from a ladder while putting up holiday lights at his home. He sustained fractures of both wrists and a fracture of one elbow. All three fractures required surgical treatment.

Whether you are putting up lights or taking them down this holiday season, please consider these tips regarding ladder safety:

  • Be aware of electrical hazards overhead.
  • Always maintain three points of contact on the ladder – either two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot.
  • Never try to move a ladder while a person or equipment is on the ladder.
  • An extension ladder or straight ladder should extend three feet above the point of support.
  • The proper angle for setting up a ladder is to place the base of the ladder one fourth of the working length of the ladder from the wall or other vertical surface.
  • The ladder should be placed on a stable and level surface. Do not place the base of the ladder on any unstable base to obtain additional height.

Here’s wishing you a great – and safe – holiday season!

Dr. Ronald W. Connor is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with The San Antonio Orthopaedic Group.  He treats all orthopaedic conditions, with the exception of the spine, for patients aged 14 years and up.  He has a special interest in total knee replacement and shoulder and knee arthroscopy. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Connor, call 210.281.9595.

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