Effectiveness of Level Tools and Instruction on Optimal Ladder Setup Research Organization: University of Utah
Dr. Erika Pliner
Erika.Pliner@utah.edu
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
920.328.8546
Falls are a leading cause of these accidents, contributing to 36% of fatal construction injuries. Working from heights is a known hazard, but inherent to residential construction. Construction workers are commonly required to work from ladders, roofs, scaffolding and structural steel. Working at these elevated heights contribute to fatal falls, but ladder use is the leading cause of fatal falls from a height.
This research is aimed at isolating the disconnect between recommended ladder setup practices and users’ (i.e., construction workers) actual performance in achieving the optimal ladder setup, which can be linked to lack of adequate leveling tools, poor instruction, environmental conditions, or other work task related barriers (e.g., time). This research project is designed to quantify the effects of level tools, instruction, and ground surface on safe ladder setup. In addition, this research will extract perceived barriers to safe ladder setup from construction workers through observed behaviors and structured interviews. This knowledge is required to eliminate the disconnect between safe ladder setup practices and user performance. Research findings will be presented in scholarly publications, news releases, and through social media as well as conference papers and peer-reviewed academic journal articles. Instructional videos will also be developed to guide workers to achieve a safe ladder setup practices which will be disseminated shared via public online platforms.