Rene Melendez is a seasoned expert witness and independent consultant with over 14 years of experience specializing in ladder safety, design, and manufacturing standards. His work focuses on evaluating ladder-related injuries and incidents for litigation across the United States. Rene’s consulting engagements span residential, commercial, and industrial ladder use, with deep expertise in extension, step, tripod, and fiberglass ladders.

He specializes in failure analysis, product liability, and injury investigation for climbing products including extension ladders (up to 60 ft), stepladders, scaffolds, planks, attic ladders, and fall protection equipment. Rene regularly partners with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure all products meet strict U.S. and international safety certifications.

Mr. Melendez has been retained in numerous high-profile cases involving ladder product failures, safety violations, and workplace accidents. He has worked on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants and provides objective, evidence-based assessments rooted in industry best practices and standards, including ANSI, OSHA, and relevant ASTM, ISO 17025 and ISO 9001 specifications.

Education:

• UTEP/MBA
• Business Administration / Park University
• Industrial Engineering/ El Paso Community College

Credentials:

• 15 years at WernerCo, global leader in ladder safety
• OSHA 10/30 certified
• ISO 17025 Lab Compliance
• ANSI A14 Ladder Safety Standards
• UL, CSA compliance experience
• Ongoing industry training & leadership in mechanical testing protocols

Availability:

• Available nationwide for:
• Record & case review
• Expert consulting
• Site inspections
• Expert testimony
• Rush consultations
• Deposition & trial preparation