Ladder Safety

  Did you know there were 147 UK workplace deaths in 2018/2019 and 37% of those were due to ‘falls from height’? Many of these injuries could have be avoided as they were caused by inappropriate or incorrect use of the equipment and they not only cause human suffering but also cost the UK economy millions every year*.

So, why are there so many ladder related accidents?

Ladders have been around for almost 10,000 years and are commonplace items to virtually every home and workplace. This, and their simplicity, could generate a false impression that ladder work requires no special knowledge or skills - when in fact the opposite is true. Anyone who uses a ladder should be trained, have knowledge and always follow the required regulations.

Securing a ladder

The ‘working at height act 2005’ provides requirements which must be followed when using a ladder including the use of an effective anti-slip stability device. Along with all the other ladder safety requirements at set out in the act, using an effective stability device and securing your ladder can help to safeguard the ladder user.  By securing the ladder safely can help to reduce the ladder feet from slipping and therefore helping keep the ladder user safe^

 

 

Useful info/sites:

HSE SAFE USE OF LADDERS AND STEP LADDERS GUIDE INDG455

HSE WORKING AT HEIGHT BRIEF GUIDE INDG401

HTTP://WWW.HSE.GOV.UK/PUBNS/INDG455.PDF

HTTP://WWW.LEGISLATION.GOV.UK/UKSI/2005/735/PDFS/UKSI_20050735_EN.PDF

HTTP://WWW.HSE.GOV.UK/PUBNS/INDG344.PDF

HTTPS://WWW.OSHA.GOV/STOPFALLS/FACTSHEET.HTML

HTTPS://WWW.OSHA.GOV/PUBLICATIONS/OSHA3625.PDF

 

Disclaimer: The Site cannot and does not contain any legal ladder safety/working at height or health advice. The ladder safety/working at height or health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals. We do not provide any kind of legal ladder safety/working at height or health and safety advice. The use or reliance of any information contained on this site is solely at your own risk. The information and articles is meant to provide you with tips only and is not advise. The information contained is not an exhaustive list. For Ladder safety and working at height you should also refer to the working at height act 2005 and the HSE safe use and ladder and step ladders guide. Written for the UK audience.

 

* Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causinj/kinds-of-accident.htm. Reported injuries to employees in Great Britain by kind of accident, severity of injury and main industry, 2014/15
^Refer to the HSE “Safe use of ladders and stepladders” guide  and working at height act 2005 for full list.