A grocery worker died when he slipped and fell off a ladder at a grocery market, California

California Case Report: 19CA001
Release Date: October 28, 2019

SUMMARY

A 72-year-old part-time grocery worker (victim) in a grocery market fell backward off an 8-foot straight ladder and landed on the concrete surface below. The victim was working outside. It was raining and the ladder steps were wet. No one witnessed the fall but a co-worker saw the victim lying on the ground conscious. Co-workers assisted the victim to his car by co-workers where he later lost consciousness. A co-worker called 911 and he was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he died from his injuries 20 days later. The CA/FACE investigator determined that, in order to prevent similar future incidents, grocery markets should:

  • Establish and enforce a safety training program that includes the hazards of climbing ladders. If ladders are used in wet conditions, safety precautions should be taken.
  • Ensure that older workers who work on ladders are assessed by a healthcare provider for increased fall risk.

A grocery worker died when he slipped and fell off a ladder at a grocery market – Californiapdf icon [PDF 319 KB]

Page last reviewed: April 13, 2020