Ladder Safety in Grand Rapids, MI – Nick’s Story

Five years ago, Nick was an active man in his 70s living on the northeast side of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He and his wife, Mersina, loved traveling—often flying out of Gerald R. Ford International Airport to visit their children and grandchildren living in Asia.

Every day, Nick walked more than 6 miles along the Grand River trails and through local neighborhoods. Even in Michigan’s cooler seasons, he stayed active, bundling up to walk in the crisp fall air and carefully navigating icy sidewalks in winter.

Nick also enjoyed home maintenance and DIY projects. Like many Grand Rapids homeowners, he took pride in maintaining his home himself—cleaning gutters after the fall leaf drop, checking the roof after heavy lake-effect snow, and doing small repairs to get ready for Michigan’s changing seasons.

He had recently completed a project to extend their home. One evening, after a strong West Michigan storm rolled through with heavy rain and wind, Nick noticed water coming inside through the new roof.

A Quick Fix on a Ladder Changed Everything

When Nick saw water leaking through the ceiling, he went outside to see if he could fix the problem. In a rush to stop the leak, he set up two ladders on top of each other to reach the roof—an extremely unsafe setup.

Without fully thinking it through, he decided to climb the stacked ladders. He fell from a height of about three feet, landed backward, hit his head on the lawn, and lost consciousness.

Mersina and their son, John, were home at the time. John heard the fall and rushed outside.

“When I went outside, Dad was lying on his back on the grass,” John recalled. “At first I thought he was dead, because he wasn’t moving—he was unconscious.”

John ran back inside to get Mersina and call 911.

By the time they returned to the yard, Nick had regained consciousness and gotten up. He insisted he felt okay, but John and Mersina decided to take him to the emergency department at a Grand Rapids hospital to be safe.

While in the emergency room at a local facility (such as Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids), Nick suffered a seizure. Imaging showed that his injuries were far more serious than anyone had realized.

Serious Injuries from a “Small” Fall

As a result of the fall, Nick had:

  • A fracture in his back
  • Bleeding in the brain (a traumatic brain injury)
  • Complications including pneumonia, fibrosis of the lungs, a pulmonary embolism, and severe muscle atrophy during his hospital stay

“The doctor said he might not make it,” John said. “He was in an induced coma in the ICU—it was pretty bad.”

Nick spent nearly six months in the hospital and rehabilitation facilities in the Grand Rapids area, including time in intensive care and physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.

Life After the Fall: A New Reality for the Family

Nick eventually returned home, but life for the family changed dramatically.

Mersina and John now provide daily care and have taken over most of the household responsibilities. Nick, once an independent, hands-on homeowner, now needs assistance with many everyday activities.

“We used to do so many things,” said Mersina. “We traveled all over the world; but now every day is the same.”

“Dad is not the same person he used to be,” John added. “He’s constantly worrying about whether he will get better. Before the accident he was very active—he mowed the lawn, did house maintenance, everything himself. He never thought anything would happen to him. It shows this could happen to anyone.”

Nick’s story is a powerful reminder that even a short fall from a ladder can cause life-changing injuries—especially for older adults.

Ladder Safety in Grand Rapids, MI: Why It Matters

In Grand Rapids, many homeowners use ladders for:

  • Cleaning gutters after fall leaves and spring pollen
  • Hanging holiday lights in winter
  • Removing snow and ice from roofs and eaves
  • Home repairs after heavy rain, wind, or lake-effect snow
  • Painting and outdoor maintenance in the summer

Michigan’s weather—icy driveways, wet grass, strong winds, and uneven ground—can make ladder use even more dangerous. Older adults are at higher risk of serious injury from falls, including fractures, head injuries, and long hospital stays.

Ladder Safety Tips for Grand Rapids Homeowners

1. Make Sure Your Ladder Is Safe and Right for the Job

  • Use the right type of ladder for the task (step ladder vs. extension ladder).
  • Never stack ladders or place one ladder on top of another, as Nick did.
  • Check the weight rating and make sure it supports your weight plus tools.
  • Inspect before each use:
    • No cracks, bends, or missing parts
    • Secure, non-slip feet
    • Steps and rungs are clean and dry

2. Work in the Right Weather Conditions

Grand Rapids weather can change quickly. Always consider:

  • Avoid using ladders on:
    • Icy, snowy, or very wet days
    • Windy days that can cause you or the ladder to shift
  • Be careful in the spring and fall when:
    • Wet leaves, mud, and rain make the ground slippery
  • In winter, never climb a ladder on icy driveways, decks, or sidewalks.

3. Set Up Your Ladder Safely

  • Place the ladder on firm, level ground—never on uneven soil, snow piles, or soft grass.
  • Use the 4-to-1 rule for extension ladders: for every 4 feet of ladder height, place the base 1 foot away from the wall.
  • Fully open and lock the spreaders on step ladders.
  • Keep the area clear of tools, hoses, and extension cords around the base.
  • Never place a ladder on furniture, boxes, or another ladder.

4. Work Safely While on the Ladder

  • Always face the ladder and keep three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand).
  • Do not overreach—keep your belt buckle between the ladder rails. Climb down and move the ladder instead.
  • Carry tools in a belt or hoist them up; keep your hands free to climb.
  • Don’t climb higher than the second step from the top of a step ladder.
  • Never use a ladder if you feel dizzy, weak, or unsteady, or if you’ve been drinking alcohol or taking medications that cause drowsiness.

When to Get Medical Help After a Fall

If you or someone you’re with falls from a ladder in Grand Rapids:

Call 911 Immediately If:

  • The person is unconscious, confused, or having a seizure
  • There is severe pain in the head, neck, back, or chest
  • There is heavy bleeding or a visible deformity (possible fracture)
  • The person is short of breath, has chest pain, or is coughing up blood
  • The person is on blood thinners (such as warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban) and hits their head

Emergency services in Grand Rapids can take you to nearby hospitals such as:

  • Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) Butterworth Hospital
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • University of Michigan Health-West (Metro Health)

See Your Doctor or Urgent Care If:

  • You have ongoing pain, swelling, or bruising after a fall
  • You feel dizzy, nauseated, or have a headache that doesn’t improve
  • Your walking or balance is worse after the fall

Preventing Future Falls in Older Adults in Grand Rapids

Falls are a leading cause of injury for older adults in Michigan. To reduce your risk:

1. Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

  • Ask your primary care doctor in Grand Rapids to:
    • Review your medications (some can affect balance)
    • Check your vision and hearing
    • Refer you to a Falls and Mobility Clinic or a physical therapist if needed

Local health systems like Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and Metro Health offer fall risk assessments and rehabilitation.

2. Exercise to Improve Strength and Balance

Programs that may help:

  • Physical therapy for strength, balance, and coordination
  • Community exercise classes for older adults through:
    • Local YMCA branches
    • Senior centers in Grand Rapids and Kent County
    • Hospital-based wellness programs

3. Make Your Home Safer

  • Install grab bars in bathrooms and railings on both sides of stairs.
  • Improve lighting in hallways, stairways, and entrances.
  • Remove loose rugs, clutter, and cords from walkways.
  • Use non-slip mats in the bathroom and on steps.
  • Consider hiring professionals for roof, gutter, and high ladder work, especially in winter or if you have balance issues.

Local Resources in Grand Rapids, Michigan

If you live in Grand Rapids or Kent County, these resources can help with fall prevention, senior care, and rehabilitation:

  • Kent County Health Department

    • Offers public health information, injury prevention resources, and community programs.
    • Website: accesskent.com/Health

  • Grand Rapids Public Health & Community Services

    • Provides local health education, aging services information, and referrals.

  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) & Trinity Health Grand Rapids

    • Offer emergency care, neurology, rehabilitation, and physical therapy services for fall-related injuries.

  • University of Michigan Health-West (Metro Health)

    • Provides orthopedic, spine, and rehab services for injuries from falls.

  • Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

    • Helps older adults and caregivers find home safety, fall prevention, and support services.

  • Local Physical Therapy Clinics in Grand Rapids

    • Many clinics offer balance training, strength programs, and post-fall rehabilitation.

Key Takeaway for Grand Rapids Residents

Nick’s story shows how quickly a “simple” home repair on a ladder can become a life-changing emergency—especially in older age. In a city like Grand Rapids, where homeowners regularly deal with snow, ice, leaves, and storm damage, safe ladder use is essential.

  • Use the right ladder, the right setup, and the right weather conditions.
  • Don’t take chances—if a job is high, unstable, or during bad weather, consider hiring a professional.
  • If a fall happens and someone is seriously hurt or loses consciousness, call 911 right away.

By practicing ladder safety and using local healthcare and community resources, older adults in Grand Rapids can stay safer, more independent, and better protected from serious fall-related injuries.