A CASTLEMAINE man is in a critical condition after falling from a ladder while clearing gutters yesterday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The man in his 80s suffered spinal and head injuries and was flown by air ambulance to The Alfred Hospital.
He was one of 12 people hospitalised across Victoria due to falls on Thursday, 11 of which were men and most of whom were clearing gutters ahead of predicted heavy rain.
The Castlemaine man was the most seriously injured of the 12.
Ambulance Victoria director of emergency management Paul Holman said they were concerned more people would be injured today as they tried to prepare for storms to cross the state.
“Unfortunately a fall from a ladder or the roof can easily cause death or result in life-changing injuries,” Mr Holman said.
Related: Bendigo flood watch: Live updates
“We know older people are more prone to falls. Nine of the 12 injured yesterday were aged over 50.
“It’s just not worth the risk climbing a ladder if you can avoid it. Consider getting a professional in to do the work.
“If your house has flood or storm damage, call the SES on 132 500.”
The other injuries included:
- A man in his 50s, and a man in his 60s, fell from ladders in Clunes while clearing gutters
- A man in his 60s fell three metres in Sandringham
- A man in his 60s suffered pelvis injuries after falling from a ladder while pruning trees in Toorak
- A man in his 70s fell 1.5 metres from a ladder in Corio, fracturing his vertebrae, ribs and pelvis
- A man in his 30s fell three metres in Harkness, fracturing his leg
- A man in his 60s fell while clearing gutters in Whittlesea, fracturing his collarbone
- A man in his 80s suffered facial injuries when a folding ladder collapsed in Hallam
- A man in his 40s injured his back when he fell from a ladder in Belgrave
- A man in his 40s has chest and pelvis injuries after falling from a shed roof in Inverloch
- A woman in her 70s fell from a ladder while clearing gutters and was taken to Maroondah Hospital
