Prevention is Better than Cure

Myth... HSE has banned stepladders

Truth... Ladders are not banned in the workplace, if it’s right to use a ladder, use the right ladder and use it safely.

Whilst everyone may think they know how to use a ladder safely, when push comes to shove and a job needs doing quickly, then stretching beyond a safe reach, or failing to secure a ladder base can seem like minor points to overlook.

Yet dangerous practices like these result in accidents and during 2008/2009 there were 4000 major injuries caused by falls from height.

So what can be done to help reduce the numbers of lives shattered by accidents involving ladders? Perhaps most importantly is to take The Work at Height Regulations (WAHR) seriously. They are in place for a reason; ultimately to protect users from injury or death.

Any company that uses ladders needs to ask itself the question;

If the answer is no, then a company is falling short of its obligations and leaving itself open to prosecution in the event of an accident. Under the regulations every person in the chain leading up to, and including, the final user, has a duty of care to both themselves and others to know and understand the practical implications of working safely at height.

Comments Chris Ball, chairman of the Ladder Association:

The key to ladder competency is training. Ladder Association training [delivered by people who know and understand ladders] promotes an informed, professional approach to ladder use.

Training - The Right Course for Action

Demonstration of both practical and theoretical competence is a major requirement of the new regulations so selection of the right training course is important. The Ladder Association training course does provide proof of such competence and has been written with guidance from the UK's leading experts on ladder manufacture, maintenance and safety. The scheme addresses all the issues raised by the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and, more recently, the Work at Height Regulations 2005. The course can only be delivered by Ladder Association approved training centres, such as the one run by Ladderstore in Bolton.

Here they offer two full day courses; ‘Safe Use of Ladders’ for anyone using a ladder, step ladder or podium and ‘Ladder Inspection’ for personnel who conduct and document periodic ladder, step ladder and podium inspections and audits.

The course objectives aim to enable delegates to:

• Select appropriate work at height equipment for a task
• Assess and determine when it is appropriate to use ladders and stepladders
• Correctly locate and safely use ladders and stepladders
• Inspect ladders and stepladders for damage

And ensure delegates have an understanding of:

• Legislation and regulations affecting work at height
• Product standards and classifications for ladders and stepladders
• Hazards affecting the use of ladders and stepladders

Upon successful completion every delegate receives a Code of Practice with a forward by the Health & Safety Executive, a certificate and Ladder Association photo card valid for five years as objective proof of competence. All centres are audited annually to ensure their continuing compliance with the high standards of the scheme.