Taking steps to improve ladder safety
August 1st 2007 Falls from height are the main cause of workplace deaths and one of the main causes of major injury. Statistics, from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), show that every week over 60 workers fall off access equipment and suffer serious injury. Half of these are workers involved in maintenance or cleaning activities and two-thirds don't fall from very far – below head height. The risks of a fall are frequently missed All too often those involved in work at height, particularly those working a below head height do not see what they are doing as 'real' work at height. High or low, the aftermath of a fall can be devastating It is only when you speak to someone who has suffered a fall at work that you realise how serious it can be. Take Paul Raggett's experience as an example. Paul fell off a ladder while he was working in an office unit in January 2006. He didn't fall very far, only about 5 feet. Paul suffered a broken arm and serious leg injury for which he is still undergoing treatment over a year and a half later. He can't play golf, or tennis with his son. Walking his dog is a struggle. His wife has had to give up a college course and take full time work to support the family. Even gardening is difficult for Paul as he has problems bending because of his leg injury. Preventing falls at work – simple and sensible measures The key to preventing falls from height is risk assessment. Only by assessing the risks and putting the right precautions in place can you hope to work safely. One of the best ways to prevent a fall from height is to avoid the risk altogether. This option is often overlooked but can be implemented by assessing all the tasks and activities your workers do which may involve work at height. When you have done this look at what is available that will help you complete the task from ground level. For instance using a long handled tool or equipment would eliminate or substantially reduce the need to work at height. This will not only reduce the risk of a fall at work, it could save you time and money. You can help make sure you or one of your workers doesn't become one of the statistics by; Making sure you don't put workers in an area where they could fall, unless you have taken suitable measures to ensure they can perform the task safely. Where workers need to work at height check that they have the right equipment and skills to do the job safely. Ensuring that any access equipment is free of faults, checked regularly and maintained properly. Ladders aren't banned Ladders are involved in more falls at work than any other access equipment. If there are ladders in use on your site HSE have a simple message for you - If it's right to use a ladder use the right ladder and use it safely. It is right to use a ladder for light work that only takes a few minutes. The user should be able to keep both feet and a hand on the ladder at all times. The right ladder is in good condition, will allow the user to reach the work easily without overstretching and is set up to be stable and secure. It will be used safely if the user is sensible, knows how to check it, set it up and climb it safely and how to do the work while keeping the ladder stable - staying within the stiles. As ladders are involved in a lot of falls accidents, HSE inspectors are very interested when they see a ladder being used. One of the main things inspectors find is that the ladder is not up to scratch. It is bent or buckled, or badly worn. Using a 'dodgy' ladder is not acceptable and inspectors will take action where they see people put at risk. Ladder retailers and hire companies are working with HSE to help get these 'dodgy' ladders out of the workplace. If your ladder has seen better days you can take it to Speedy Hire or SGB and get 50% off a new ladder in a trade-in deal. Between them these companies have over 400 outlets across the UK. There is one near you. More articles from Health and Safety Executive: | 
