Ladder injuries.

A series of 66 patients injured in falls from ladders was studied prospectively to assess the mode of fall, whether or not the fall was preventable, and the range of injuries sustained. Of the patients, 47 (71 per cent) fell because their ladder fell, and up to 90 per cent of these injuries were preventable. A wide spectrum of injuries was noted, and the importance of a thorough examination of such patients is emphasized. The need for a public education programme to prevent such injuries has also been highlighted.