The Ladder Association has launched a campaign aimed at fighting the over-confident and often-dangerous mentality of ladder users who rely solely on learning on the job.
The campaign is founded on the association’s belief that training is the key to improving ladder safety in the workplace, and helps ensure that ladder users and their managers and supervisors are competent, as required by the Work at Height Regulations.
The campaign is aimed particularly at those in the manual trades who take ladders, and the risks associated with them, for granted.
“Sadly, familiarity breeds contempt,” said Ladder Association chairman, Chris Ball. “Our aim is simply to promote an informed and professional approach to ladder use, just like any other piece of access equipment. Falls can be avoided by sensible and proportionate management of the risks – knowledge and skills best acquired through training.”
As part of the campaign, the association has launched a new Code of Practice. With a foreword from the HSE, the code covers employers’ and users’ responsibilities, the Work at Height Regulations, risk avoidance, best practice, and the importance of planning, inspection and maintenance.
Said Peter Brown, head of the HSE’s Work, Environment, Radiation and Gas Division: “It’s essential that people use ladders safely and make sure they are right for the planned work. The Code of Practice contains useful guidance for ladder users, which will help them avoid falls from height.”
Added Ball: “Everyone thinks they can use a ladder. But it’s surprising the number of people who go on our courses, including the hardened 20-year user, who come away having admitted to learning something new. We firmly believe you can teach an old dog new tricks.”
For more information, go to www.ladderassociation.org.uk
