Williams, Violet and Griffin, Sarah C. and Redfern, Mark S. and Beschorner, Kurt E.
(2023)
Extension Ladder Fly Configuration Impacts Shoe-Rung Dynamics During Descent.
Applied Ergonomics.
ISSN 0003-6870
(Submitted)
Abstract
Serious fall injuries often occur on extension ladders. Typical extension ladder design places the extendable fly on the side of the ladder toward the user, though minimal justification exists for this design choice. This study investigates the effects of a reversed fly configuration on frictional requirements, missteps, and user preference. Frictional requirements were quantified with required coefficient of friction (RCOF) values during descent at the transition between ladder sections. Missteps were characterized by foot placement corrections (FPCs) at the transition between ladder sections. While comparable RCOF values were observed shortly after foot contact, the reversed configuration had significantly lower root mean squared RCOF values during late stance. The increased RCOF was associated with a more plantarflexed shoe orientation and more posterior shoe contact relative to the rung. The reversed fly had no FPCs versus 13 which occurred in the traditional configuration. 80% of users indicated preference for the reversed fly. The results of this study suggest a reversed configuration can reduce fall-related injuries due to slips and missteps.
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