By: Dr. Irving Ojalvo
Tel: (800) 358-9909
Fax: (888) 358-9901
Email: Technology Associates
There are over 100,000 ladder accidents annually in the U.S. requiring hospital emergency room treatment. Although many of these result from user misuse, such as an improper extension ladder lean angle against a wall causing it to slip outward, use of a damaged ladder, or failing to lock a step ladder's spreaders, many ladders fail due to design or manufacturing defects. Many are designed too flexibly and some extension ladders are equipped with inferior rung locks. Other defects can be introduced during manufacturing such as material flaws or improperly seated rivet attachments. In addition, the fine-print warnings and instructions, on most ladders, are hard to read.
We are active participants on the ANSI Ladder Standards Committee and have:
Through scientific analysis, we can help you answer pertinent questions such as:
Falls From Stepladders:
We have investigated numerous stepladder accidents involving unexplained falls where no obvious structural defect can be found. When a ladder is too flexible, a climber may inadvertently cause the rear legs to shift sidewise, raising one of the legs off the ground. Later, when the user shifts his weight, the raised leg suddenly strikes the ground causing him to loose his balance and fall. In several cases, we have demonstrated how modest side rail stiffness improvements can reduce this problem.
Extension Ladder Slips off Low Pitch Roof:
A handyman was repairing some siding on a split-level roof when the extension ladder he had placed on the lower roof slid out from under him. We demonstrated that the modest slant of the lower roof produced a significant tendency for the lower side rail legs to slide out, and that the posted warnings against such action were present on the incident ladder. This resulted in a successful homeowner's claim defense.
Dr. Irving Ojalvo was, at the time of this article's publication, the Chairman of Technology Associates (www.technology-assoc.com), a forensic engineering firm with offices in New York City and Connecticut. The firm's technical personnel, all of whom have advanced degrees, perform accident reconstruction involving issues of biomechanics, mechanical, traffic, and human factors engineering.
©Copyright - All Rights Reserved
DO NOT REPRODUCE WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION BY AUTHOR.
7/31/2009· Accident Investigation & Reconstruction
Forensic Engineering Experts: Human Factors
Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) is a branch of science, which is concerned with man’s interaction with his universe. Thus, it is not simply the study of pure science (e.g. sound or light), but rather man’s understanding and reactions (e.g. to hear and see).
7/31/2009· Accident Investigation & Reconstruction
Forensic Engineering Experts: Fork Lifts & Skid Steers
Forklifts, industrial trucks, skid steer loaders, bobcats and other similar material-handling machines are often difficult to maneuver and susceptible to a wide range of accidents. Their nature exposes operators and nearby co-workers to falling loads, crushing hazards and lading dock falls.
7/22/2009· Accident Investigation & Reconstruction
Forensic Engineering Experts: Warnings
A warning must inform individuals of a danger, which would not be obvious to them. It must tell them how to avoid the danger, and be easily understood. It should also provide them with the consequences of not heading the warning.
