Ladder Exchange Initiative 2011
Health & Safety update 02/09/2011
The HSE will again be running a scheme in partnership with local
authorities and industry bodies where businesses can trade in their
damaged, bent or broken ladders for new ones. Damaged ladders can
be exchanged for a voucher towards buying new, safer ladders at
various retailers.
This scheme has been very successful in previous years and has
resulted in over 8,000 unsafe ladders being taken out of use in
workplaces since it began in 2007. Next year the scheme will be
delivered directly by local authorities and industry bodies, such
as The Ladder Association.
The ladder exchange initiative runs for three months from 1
September 2011 until 30 November 2011, and is open to any
business.
A full list of retailers is available from the website
www.hse.gov.uk/falls/ladderexchange
along with useful information on planning typical work at height
tasks and good practice when using ladders.
Peter Brown HSE Head of Work Environment, Radiation and Gas
Division said, "During the next few months, businesses will again
have the opportunity to get their ladders checked and, where
necessary, trade them in for new ones at any of our partner outlets
at a discounted price. Our advice to anyone working at height is
use the right ladder for the job. Ladder Exchange provides an ideal
opportunity for businesses to assess the risks involved in using
ladders and to adopt sensible health and safety measures."
The HSE recommends that ladders are only used for low-risk short
duration work and those using ladders at work should be competent,
with appropriate training if necessary. All work at height should
be planned and carried out in line with a risk assessment for the
task. A visual inspection of ladders should be carried out each
time before use, including whenever the working conditions change,
such as moving the ladder to a different area.
A third of all reported accidents and major injuries involve
falls whilst working at height on ladders or stepladders.
If you would like further information, and already
subscribe to RBS
Mentor,
please call the Advice
Service. If you would like more information on
how Mentor could help your business in situations like this and
many others, contact
us today for information.
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