06.06.2007

UK to remove 4,000 'dodgy' ladders

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is promoting a ladder exchange aimed at removing 4000 'dodgy' ladders. Over the next 12 weeks, small businesses will get the chance to get their ladders checked and where necessary, trade them in for new ones at a discounted price.

Every month nearly 100 people fall off a ladder at work and suffer serious injuries costing the economy £60 million each year. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will promote ladder safety messages through a 'ladder exchange' which aims to remove 4000 'dodgy' ladders from workplaces in Great Britain.

Dr Elizabeth Gibby, HSE's Head of Injuries Reduction Programme said: "We want anyone working at height to use the right ladder for the job and to use it safely. Ladder Exchange provides small trade businesses to assess the risks involved in ladder use and adopt sensible health and safety measures".

"In 2005/06 a total of 46 workers died and a further 3351 employees suffered major injuries as a result of a fall from height in the workplace. There is still a lot of poor standard equipment out there and we will do everything it takes to educate people and get rid of 'dodgy' ladders from workplaces. Simple precautions can save lives and help prevent injuries."

HSE has received industry wide support to tackle this issue. The Ladder Association (LA) together with companies such as HSS Hire, SGB Taskmaster, Speedy Hire and Ladderstore.com are all promoting HSE's message around ladder safety.

More information can be obtained on the HSE website at http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/ladderexchange.htm