Doing a little limb trimming today with a pole saw. I was using an extention ladder to get a little higher (yeah I know, bad idea). I would set the ladder, and then put a ratchet strap at the top to lock it in. I climbed up the ladder, pole saw in hand. As reached the point I want to be at, the top of the ladder rolled to right basically throwing me off the right side of it. I had a death grip on one rung with my right hand. I was able to hang on, but as the momentum started to swing the base of ladder and I eventually lost grip. Gravity took over and the ground broke my fall with a thud and the rush of air leaving my lungs. I laid there for a moment and got my wits about me trying to do a quick assessment of myself. Nothing really felt broke, but nearly everything hurt. Once I got on my feet my left leg was the most in pain. Taking a few steps I was pretty confident nothing was broke. I went inside and had my wife doctor me up. I think she was more panicked than me. Ice on my leg and she cleaned up the gash on the lower part of my leg. Also put ice on my back. I'm sore, but after relaxing for about a half hour /45 minutes I went back out and started doing a few things. Nothing from the ladder though as it is on the roof of the house. Don't ask me how it got there because I have no idea. So be careful out there! No matter what you are doing.
Really glad that wasn't worse GrJfer ! Been there done that & got lucky. I sure don't bounce like I did 20 years ago. Heal up quick.
Glad it wasn't more serious. When you came off the ladder you probably pushed off with your legs, sending it pivoting to the roof. Hope ya mend quickly.
I was only wearing those for the picture. I had on long pants and steel toes while I was up the ladder playing Tarzan.
I''m gonna guess you held onto the ladder above where it was attached to the tree and your weight pulled the bottom of the ladder up onto the roof as you went towards the ground. You need a video camera running in your back yard when you are working out there. There's not a lot of money to be made on youtube but every little bit helps.
on the video. I think you are right about what happened with the ladder. Because I was holding on near the top and I remember hoping the pivot would put me closer to the ground than I actually got.
I probably would have thought about it even less had you been wearing high heels instead of those things.
Cant "like" this but glad you are okay. It couldve been a lot worse and a good lesson learned. Ive worked with ladders for over 30 years on the roof and they can be very unforgiving. Ive taken three falls while on ladders and once off the roof and walked away all four times. Scraped, bruised and shaken up, but no major injuries. I consider myself a safe worker, but it only takes a second. I have done tree work off ladders using a chain saw without incident. You will be sore for a few days, possibly weeks if deeply bruised. If in doubt get yourself checked out. Humbling and a bit embarrassing, but a good reminder for us all. Thank you for sharing!
Your guardian angel said to his apprentice, "That dang fool is gonna climb the ladder again! Here, help me toss the ladder on the roof so he can't get it ..."
