Dang sorry about the injury. Hope all turns out OK.

I use a lineman's belt when initially setting up my stick ladders or screw-in steps. I tie off a safety rope as I go and am never not attached to some sort of life-line as I set the stick ladder or steps. Awkward but no big deal considering the consequences. And while "lineman's belt" is to be not considerd a true fall restraint, it sure as heck beats nothing. After setting my ladder or steps, I then tie off a HD climber's grade rope well above the top rung and loop in a Prussik knot. I am never unattached from this line when either climbing up or down.