Work

Strategies to Reduce Fall Severity after a Perturbation during Ladder Climbing

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSFalls from ladders remain a significant cause of injuries in workplaces as well as residential settings. While recent research reveals factors related to fall severity from a ladder, strategies that workers can adopt to minimize fall severity are not well understood. Results from our current study indicated that increased upper limb strength, achieving a higher hand hold, and controlled reestablishment of the foot on the rung have summative benefits to reduce fall severity and increase recovery from a misstep perturbation. Ensuring adequate upper limb strength among workers, and training workers to climb ladders leading with hand placement during ascent and foot placement during descent, can facilitate these beneficial strategies to arrest a ladder fall.

Source: IISE Transactions on Occupational Ergonomics and Human Factors

DOI: 10.1080/24725838.2024.2420722

Authors: Erika M. Pliner, Kurt E. Beschorner, Na Jin Seo

Institutions: University of Utah, University of Pittsburgh, Medical University of South Carolina, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Balance, Gait, and Falls Prevention

Subfield: Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Science Foundation, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health