They say you learn from experience. In my early days I seemed to need to experience every conceivable way to fall, but I learned. I never fell the same way twice
.
All these falls were minor incidents, resulting in bruises and damaged ego, and only once slightly serious (broken wrist).
Then in 1977 came the big one. I put my trust in a window ledge which had been damaged and repaired by skimming over with cement. The repair wasn't obvious and I wasn't looking for it. I leaned on it and it gave way, throwing me off balance. I parted company with my ladder and fell 18 feet on to a concrete footpath, landing upright.
I broke both heel bones and destroyed both sub-talar (part of the ankle) joints.
Eighteen months off work. Two operations. Steel pins still in me holding the bones together. Permanently disabled (completely flat footed and no sideways movement in my ankles)
Even now, thirty years later I still ache at the end of the day.
But I survived
And I learned the ultimate lesson: There is only one person responsible for your safety, and that's you. I always use proper window cleaners ladders and I always do a "mini" risk assessment (although I've only recently found out they're called that!!) before I climb the ladder.
From that day on I've never had another fall, and I believe that provided I always take the few seconds to ensure the ladder is safe before I climb it I never will, but I'll never become complacent - a moments inattention could be the last slip I'll ever make. My achy feet and lopsided walk are a constant reminder to double check every time.
Cheers,
Ian
Poll