Depending on your profession, it’s not out of the question for you to use a ladder on an almost daily basis. For example, construction workers, maintenance workers and painters all use ladders to better do their jobs.

While there are many benefits of using a ladder, such as easy access to roofs and other high points, you need to remember one thing: An accident can result in serious injury or death.

Here are seven ladder safety tips that can help keep you safe on the job:

• Never use a ladder until you first inspect it for damage or defects. For example, you may find that a ladder is beginning to form some rust, which could result in a weak point.
• Find firm and level ground to place the ladder. If you put a ladder on a slope or soft ground it increases the likelihood of something bad happening,
• Don’t carry a heavy load up or down a ladder. When you do this, one shift of your weight could result in you tipping off the ladder.
• Use the right size ladder for the job. There is more than one size ladder, so you need to know which one makes the most sense for the job you’re taking on.
• Don’t stand on the top rung of a ladder. This may sound like a good idea if you need some extra reach, but it increases the risk of tipping.
• Let others know when you’re using a ladder. This reduces the likelihood of someone bumping into the ladder, thus causing you to fall.
• Don’t place a ladder next to a door or heavy traffic areas. Again, this is all about avoiding a situation in which the ladder is struck when in use.

Once you get into the habit of following these ladder safety tips they’ll become second nature.

If you’re ever part of a ladder accident, you shouldn’t wait to receive medical treatment. From broken bones to a concussion, you could be facing a variety of injuries.

If you’re unable to return to work after your accident, find out more about the workers’ compensation system and how to file a claim.