Equipment Leasing Expert: Rented Ladder Was Not Up to Safety Standards

This case involves injuries suffered by a worker due to defects in rented equipment. The Plaintiff, a professional handyman, was working to repair an exterior light while on a large extension ladder. At the time of the incident in question, the Plaintiff was using the ladder in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and had been careful to make sure that the ladder was properly secured. However, it was noted that the footing of the ladder was mismatched, where one side of the ladder was missing a rubber cover to maintain the stability of the ladder. As a result, the footing slipped, causing the ladder to fall while the Plaintiff was on it. As a result of the fall, the worker suffered a number of serious injuries, including multiple broken bones. The Plaintiff alleged that the rental company had intentionally given him a modified ladder and was not up to safety standards.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1) Please discuss your experience with extension ladders and equipment rental standards.

Expert Witness Response E-007347

I have been involved in numerous fall cases as well as ones involving equipment failure. I have considerable experience with the compliance of OSHA and manufacturer's requirements, which appears to be the issue at hand. I have taught ladder safety, and trained personnel; both as a fire training officer and now as a safety professional. I have 20 years of experience in maintenance departments as well as in the construction industry. Based on the information and evidence provided, the ladder violated safety compliance standards. Any after market modifications to the ladder by an unauthorized third party are likely to compromise the safety of the ladder.