ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT This chapter summarizes the causes, mechanisms, and risk factors for ladder falls and the range of available and most promising control and prevention strategies, with an emphasis on portable ladders. The focus is on proximal factors associated with the most common user-ladder interactions, discussed from the perspective of mechanics, biomechanics, and human factors. The chapter reviews the current ladder safety standards, regulations, and practices and summarizes the latest ladder safety research. The chapter includes suggestions for ladder design improvements, research needs, and measures for preventing falls from ladders.
