FACTS

1. Falls from step stools are among the leading causes of non-fatal injuries in schools, especially during classroom setup and maintenance activities.
2. Common causes of step stool accidents include standing on the top step, using damaged or unstable step stools, and improper positioning on uneven surfaces.
3. Injuries from step stool accidents can range from minor sprains to severe head or spinal injuries, particularly when used near hard or sharp surfaces.
4. Regular maintenance and inspection of step stools can prevent many accidents. Damaged or worn-out step stools should be immediately removed from service.
5. Incorporating step stool safety training into school staff programs significantly reduces the risk of accidents.
6. Falls remain a leading cause of unintentional injuries across all age groups. In Canada, they are the primary reason for injury-related hospitalizations.

STATS

• A study analyzing workplace incidents found that 28% involved falls from ladders, and 21% involved physical strains while handling ladders. Although this data encompasses various workplaces, it underscores the risks associated with ladder and step stool use.
• In the United States, ladders and step stools are significant contributors to household injuries, causing an average of 35 deaths annually.
• In 2023, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reported that 500,000 people were treated for ladder-related injuries, with 300 of these incidents resulting in fatalities.
• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded 5,283 fatal work injuries in 2023, highlighting the importance of safety measures across all professions. While not specific to schools, this statistic underscores the need for vigilance in all work environments.
• Approximately 14,000 workers in Canada suffer injuries annually due to falls from heights, predominantly involving ladders.