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

ByJoseph O'Neill

Updated on

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

Case Overview

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.

Questions to the Engineering expert and their responses

Q1

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

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 aftermarket modifications to the ladder by an unauthorized third party are likely to compromise the safety of the ladder.

About the expert

This expert is an experienced Safety Engineer and Board Certified Safety Professional with over 35 years of experience. His expertise spans occupational and construction safety, development and requirements for safety systems/programs, multi-employer worksites, industry custom and practice, and regulatory compliance. With extensive OSHA and Fire Code compliance knowledge, he has produced several publications and online training courses regarding worksite safety.

Expert headshot

E-007347

Specialties:

About the author

Joseph O'Neill

Joseph O'Neill

Joe is a seasoned expert in online journalism and technical writing, with a wealth of experience covering a diverse range of legal topics. His areas of expertise include personal injury, medical malpractice, mass torts, consumer litigation, and commercial litigation. During his nearly six years at Expert Institute, Joe honed his skills and knowledge, culminating in his role as Director of Marketing. He developed a deep understanding of the intricacies of expert witness testimony and its implications in various legal contexts. His contributions significantly enhanced the company's marketing strategies and visibility within the legal community. Joe's extensive background in legal topics makes him a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of expert witness involvement in litigation. He is a graduate of Dickinson College.

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