Werner Ladder Accident

MASE Product Failure Injury Report

Product involved: Aluminum Ladder

What happened: At a rock climbing gym, a person was using an aluminum stepladder to change routes on the wall.  The worker changed some holds, and proceeded to work on holds that were located to his right, approximately two to three feet away.  He had to lean far to the right to access these holds.  At some point his center of gravity passed outside of the stability triangle of the ladder, and the ladder leaned to the left due to this as well as the padded floor surface, causing him to begin to fall.  As he fell, his weight, motion, and reaction caused the ladder to tip to the left.  He fell on top of the ladder, causing some deformation.

Injuries: none due to padded floor

Recommendations: Try to stay as close to the ladder's center as possible, preferably within the ladder rails per manufacturer recommendations.  A firm surface will also help prevent the ladder from tipping. 

OSHA/Standard violations?: no

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Rivet Pulls Through Fiberglass Ladder Rail

MASE Product Failure Injury Report

Product involved: Fiberglass ladder

What happened: Worker injured when fiberglass stepladder spreader bar rivet pulled through the fiberglass.

Injuries: unknown

Recommendations: Use a material that does not weaken as significantly over time, such as aluminum, warn users of decreased strength of fiberglass after time and exposure to elements, increase stability of stepladder to prevent racking and excessive side forces

OSHA/Standard violations?: unknown

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Terex Crane Overturns

MASE Product Failure Injury Report

Product involved: Terex Crane

What happened: Worker injured when crane tipped over

Injuries: unknown

Recommendations: Design crane to safely handle any load that it can pick up

OSHA/Standard violations?: unknown

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Toyota Forklit Accident

MASE Product Failure Injury Report

Product involved: Toyota Forklift

What happened:  Worker crushed between mast of forklift and forklift structure when riding the forklift down

Injuries: Burns to broken bones from falling to death

Recommendations:  Use a cage designed to transport personnel, with a guard that prevents access to pinch and shear points of the forklift

OSHA/Standard violations?: Multiple - no fall protection, no guarding of mast, platform not secured

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Extension Ladder Electrocutions

MASE Product Failure Injury Report

Product involved: Extension ladders produced by various manufacturers

What happened:  Extension ladder users are electrocuted when setting up an aluminum ladder that contacts power lines.  In some cases, the ladder user contacts power lines with his body while working from the ladder.

Injuries: Burns to broken bones from falling to death

Recommendations:  Insulated ladders such as wood or fiberglass would not conduct electricity, user error from making contact with power lines unavoidable from a product design standpoint

OSHA/Standard violations?: N/A

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Deer Hunting Tree Stand Failure

MASE Product Failure Injury Report

Product involved: Tree Stand, manufacturer unknown

What happened:  Tree stand collapsed when a hook became unfastened

Injuries: Broken bones

Recommendations:  Use positive locking means to attach the tree stand to the tree, such as a D-ring or other locking linkage

OSHA/Standard violations?: N/A

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MASE Product Failure Injury Report - Constellation Alligator Shear

Product involved: Constellation Alligator Shear

What happened:  Worker severely lacerated while using alligator shear.  Shear controlled with a foot pedal, allowing worker's hands to be in point of operation when shear was engaged.

 

Injuries: Unknown

 

Recommendations:  Provide adequate guarding and interlocking to keep operator away from point of operation.  Elimination of foot pedal recommended, two hand control is recommended to help ensure hands are safe.  Clamping devices may allow material being cut to be secured without the use of the operator's hands.  Light curtains could be used for increased safety.  Operator hand tethers could prevent access to the point of operation while still allowing the work piece to be held by hand.

OSHA/Standard violations?: Unknown

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