Dangerous iphone App' For Window Cleaners

Since this application review has been released - the developer has worked tirelessly to correct the problems I've experienced on my iphone. The developer reports that in most cases this iphone application works.

Apple iphone applications are very far and few between for window cleaners. I thought I'd have a play around with this one, just to see how useful it could be. It comes under the name "Safety Ladder" & costs $1.99 or the equivalent (whatever country you're in). Here's the description..

Safety Ladder By iPear Ltd

Ladders are used day in, day out by decorators, builders, Window Cleaners, the list goes on.

However, more than 2.1 million individuals were treated in U.S. emergency departments for ladder-related injuries from 1990 through 2005, according to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

One way to improve ladder safety is to make sure the angle of the ladder is correct.

The correct angle for a ladder is 75 degrees, any slight difference, and the safety of the user could be at risk.

Simply by holding "Safety Ladder" against the ladder will assist you in finding the correct angle. As soon as 75 degrees is reached, the phone will vibrate, letting you know your ladder is at the recommended angle.

Why be concerned about ladder safety?

“Individuals using ladders are often not mindful of the severe risks associated with use,” said the study’s co-author Lara Trifiletti, PhD, MA, principal investigator in the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Columbus Children’s Hospital and an assistant professor at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.

“Increased public health initiatives that target men and women, especially of working age, could help reduce the number of ladder-related injuries.”

This is the first U.S. study to use national data to comprehensively examine nonfatal ladder-related injuries.

During the 16-year study period, the number of ladder-related injuries increased by more than 50 percent. Nearly 10 percent of injuries resulted in hospitalization or transfer to another hospital, approximately twice the admission rate of consumer product-related injuries overall, according to the research.

*Please note, the application relies on the accuracy of the device and iPear Ltd are not responsible for any inaccuracies of the angle.

Screenshots


Pro's;

• The disclaimer highlighted above.

Con's;

• Very slow to work with.
• Didn't work.
• No where near the angle stated on the phone when held against the ladder.
• The only way I could get anywhere near the 75 degrees on the screen was alter the angle of the iphone to around 25 degrees.
• $1.99! Not even worth the electric to view the product on the computer.
• No way to rate this product at this current time.
• A dangerous application - it might even cost an inexperienced ladder users life!

VERDICT: A big fat thumbs down.