Never too late for ladder safety, warns HSE
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning individuals to
take precautions when using ladders in the workplace.
The HSE's annual Ladder Exchange Programme runs for three months
each year and provides UK businesses with a simple way to replace
broken or damaged ladders for safe new ones at a discounted
price.
Since its launch in 2007, the scheme has removed 7,000 unsafe
ladders from use. Although this year's ladder safety scheme ended
last month, the industry body warns that it is never too late to
take care when using ladders – especially in the winter months when
the ground may be slippery.
Director of the Injuries Reduction Programme at HSE, Dr
Elizabeth Gibby, said, “Falls from ladders cause deaths and major
injuries - nearly a third of major injuries from falls from height
each year are caused by falls from ladders.”
HSE advises that ladders should be firmly gripped whilst being
climbed and that a person's weight should be evenly distributed at
all times, meaning no leaning to one side which could unbalance the
ladder.
If an item needs to be obtained whilst using the ladder, such as
a paintbrush, HSE advises climbing down and onto the floor, before
collecting the item and repositioning the ladder if necessary.