Factors that Improve Ladder Fall Recovery Ladder falls are the leading cause of fatal falls [1] Injuries are severe, but

preventable [2]

To identify factors that affect ladder fall recovery Gloves [3, 4] Gender [5] Climbing Direction [6] Climbing Style [7]

5-8 regular climbing trials

One unexpected misstep

Randomize Perturbation Order

1. BLS, Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Charts, 1992-2010, Washington, D.C., 2012.2. Socias C, et al. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 63, 341-368, 2014.3. Hur P, et al. Journal of Biomechanics 45, 958-964, 2012.4. Hur P, et al. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology 24, 159-164, 2014.5. Miller A, et al. Europ. J Applied Physiology & Occupational Physiology 66, 254-262, 1993.6. Moore S, et al. Journal of Safety Research 40, 455-460, 2009.7. Pliner E, et al. Ergonomics 57, 1739-1749, 2014.

Results

M F A D 2 Pt 3 Pt BH HF LF0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

0.3

0.35

0.4

0.45

No

rma

lize

d H

arn

ess

Fo

rce

p < 0.001* p < 0.001* p < 0.05* p < 0.295

ConclusionsFemales are at a greater fall risk Males have more upper body strength [5] Females may need additional protection

Descending a ladder may be a more hazardous task than ascending a ladder This may be influenced by the body’s momentum This may explain epidemiological data on mining equipment [6]

3-points of contact enhances recovery Clarifies that 3-points of contact is most important at time of perturbation Less supporting points will increase reaction load at each contact point

May be too much for one hand after losing foot support

No effects found between glove condition and harness force Increased force capability from high-friction gloves may not translate to improved

recovery Hand positioning and personal strength may be more important factors