If resposting this blog every holiday season saves one life or limb…I’m going to do it.
It’s time to hang lights and decorate Christmas trees, and it’s also a time when orthopedic surgeons get busy with ladder-climbing injuries! It’s a fact! I’ve always said that what makes your orthopedic surgeon money, is often something you shouldn’t be doing. All of us intuitively know climbing ladders is dangerous. I climb them all the time! But every time I do it, I know I’m taking my limbs, and potentially my life into my own hands.
My first recommendation is to get someone else to do it, especially if you’re older, have poor balance or lack the proper ladder.
If you’re going to ignore that solid recommendation, coming from someone who has seen the devastating ladder-climbing injuries firsthand, then the next step is to make sure you have good health insurance, life insurance policies are up to date, and someone has your power of attorney.
Now, you’re still determined to put up your own Christmas lights and decorate that 15-foot Christmas tree. Then please take the following precautions:
- Make sure you have a solid, stable ladder. If possible, avoid ladders which rest against the wall.
- Make sure it’s the right ladder for the job. It must be tall enough.
- Don’t climb up to any height where you can’t hold solidly to the ladder in front of you.
- Wear solid shoes. No slippers, flip-flops, or stocking feet.
- Don’t drink and climb ladders…or drive.
- Pay attention to every step going up and coming down. Many injuries occur when people miss the last rung, thinking they’ve arrived at the bottom!
- Put ladders on solid Setting ladders in garden mulch or wet sod is madness.
- Avoid long reaches from the top of your ladder, like putting the star on the top of your Christmas tree.
- Have someone assist you from the ground, and be there to steady you, should you need it. They can also call 911, if necessary!
Have a safe and happy holiday season!
Kalí Rourke
Great advice! Some of the worst injuries friends of mine have had involved ladders!
Mike VW
Great information! Ladders are also rated for the weight of person & what they are carrying. Use a ladder that will support you! A Type II medium duty ladder supports 225 pounds, a Type I heavy duty ladder supports 250 pounds, & a Type IA extra heavy duty ladder supports 300 pounds. A free, online training video on ladders is available at the American Ladder Institute – https://www.laddersafetytraining.org/ . Also remember that half the deaths from falls are from a height of 10 feet or less…
Abby
My 93 year old father in law could have used this advice 2 weeks ago! The stubborn man thinks he’s still a young sprout and can do anything. Instead of calling one of his kids, he took it upon himself to change a light bulb while he was home alone. Just like you said, he was on the last step and thought he was on the ground – he fell backwards and smashed his head against the floor tile. It took 20 stitches! He was lucky he didn’t break a hip. I hope you folks will heed your advice and keep themselves safe. Happy holidays!
Janet Hewlett
Excellent advice!
Deb Smith
Such solid and timely advice. I realized this year ( age 71) while on the ladder decorating our tree- my balance is not as good as it was so balance exercises are resuming,,,. Thank you and have a great Holiday. Love your blogs. Btw- I did follow all your recommendations on the ladder this year.
Yvonne
Great advice Dr. Bergin. Happy Holidays!