Injuries climb with seasonal ladder use

Spring and summer are accompanied by ladder falls, which can cause significant and life-changing injuries including to the brain, the spinal cord and other vital organs. 

As the weather gets warmer, so does the opportunity for home improvements that involve climbing a ladder. Every few days between spring and fall, Harborview Medical Center treats someone seriously injured from a ladder fall. The consequences can be devastating. 

“Basically, if you fall from a height of 8 feet or above, it's really the whole gamut of injuries can happen to you.” says UW Medicine Dr. Arvin Akhavan, medical director in Harborview’s Emergency Department. 

In 2024, Harborview Medical Center treated about 150 people with injuries sustained from ladder falls. These cases often involve adult men. Older adults and those on blood thinners face even higher risks. 

“I think especially in the older demographic, falls off of a ladder can cause these really serious injuries like the brain bleeds, the rib fractures, spinal injury — and those people get admitted,” Akhavan said. 

Part of the problem is that ladders can be operated by one person. However, having the assistance of someone else, or hiring someone who climbs ladders for a living, can greatly reduce the risk. 

“Ladders are unstable. People on ladders are unstable, especially as you get older,” Akhavan said. “If you have the means to hire someone to get up on a ladder, I think it's the right thing to do.

Download broadcast-ready soundbites and related multimedia.