MEASURES TO PREVENT PORTABLE LADDER ACCIDENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION-INDUSTRY

Ladder accidents account for nearly 5% of all reported occupational ac cidents in the Swedish construction industry. Eighty-five ladder accid ent victims were interviewed to obtain detailed information about fact ors contributing to their accidents. Accidents were almost equally div ided between straight ladders (N = 39) and step- ladder (N = 33). The majority of accidents occurred while the victim was working from the l adder. Climbing up and, particularly, down straight ladders was associ ated with numerous accidents. For straight ladders, sliding at the bas e was the most common event preceding the injury. Low angle of inclina tion was a common contributing factor. For step-ladders, tipping sidew ays was the most common preceding event. Misstepping the final step wh ile descending accounted for 10% of all accidents. More than 90% of th e victims fell from less than 4 m. The interviews provided detailed in formation which served as a basis for proposals for alternatives to po rtable ladders; a step-scaffold adjustable for work at levels up to 3 m and a portable scaffold for work at levels of 1-3 m. These alternati ves are under development. In addition, proposals for improving the st ability of current portable ladders are made.