Ladder Injuries - Expert Introduction to Ladder Anatomy & Accident Investigations Expert Article
While most people have used ladders, few people are familiar with the proper terminology to describe the components of a ladder; for this reason, the experts at Robson Forensic have created this document outlining the anatomy of a typical step and extension ladder.
Investigating Ladder Incidents
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that annually over 100,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms, doctors’ offices, and clinics as a result of falls from ladders. Most of the injuries are cuts, bruises and fractures; however, more than 300 fatalities occur annually from ladder related injuries. In addition to the step ladder and extension ladder shown below, we also regularly investigate cases involving metal disappearing stairways (attic ladder), fixed ladders, job-built ladders, ships ladders, step stools, articulating ladders, and library ladders.
Forensic Ladder Investigations
The experts at Robson Forensic have investigated over 500 incidents involving falls from ladders. The nature of each investigation varies depending on the details of the case, many cases involve an analysis into the appropriateness of a specific ladder for a particular task, other cases analyze the actions of the end user or site safety managers. We even have experts who specialize in design aspects of ladders, including construction, materials selection, and adequacy of warnings.
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