Yes - 25%
No - 75%
Use a ladder safely: Step by step guide publishedOctober 1st 2008
As part of its Ladder Exchange initiative, the HSE has provided a step by step guide to using a ladder safely.
Download the guide here
More articles from Health and Safety Executive:
Raising awareness of the risks of asbestos (7th December 2011)
Asbestos. The word does strike a level of fear in those that know the risks of exposure – and that is good; it is what drives workers to find out more about the risks and how to protect themselves, but worryingly there are still those who chance it, are ignorant or consider it a risk of bygone days linked to Britain’s industrial past of shipbuilding and the manufacturing of a wide range of products containing asbestos.
From News
Health and Safety Made Simple (1st October 2011)
A worker loses three fingers in a machine at a paper works Another breaks his back and fractures his skull after falling from a roof while replacing cement sheets. And an elderly resident’s possessions become contaminated with asbestos during renovation work at sheltered housing.
From HSE: View from the top
How do I report an incident under RIDDOR to the Health and Safety Executive? (1st October 2011)
Each issue the HSE shares questions relating to the most common search topics on its website.
From Q & A
Counting the costs of safety failings (5th September 2011)
It’s well recognised that good health and safety is good business. But some firms may seek to gain short-term competitive advantage by cutting corners and putting workers and the public at risk.
From HSE
Counting the costs of safety failings (2nd September 2011)
From Newsletter Stories
Rationalising RIDDOR – what a difference four days make (1st September 2011)
n a move that has been widely anticipated, the HSE has confirmed its backing for Lord Young’s proposal to increase the employee absence threshold before a work related injury becomes reportable under the Reporting of Injuries,Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR).
H&S focus events (1st September 2011)
Small and medium sized businesses attended a series of dedicated Focus Events held by A-Plant in collaboration with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Focusing on Working at Height the event targeted SME’s in and around the Glasgow area as well as companies signed up to the HSE’s Working Well Together (WWT) campaign.
From Training
What are my obligations with regards to providing hearing protection? (1st September 2011)
Rise in number of workplace fatalites (27th July 2011)
Official statistics from the HSE show there was an increase in the number of workers killed in Britain last year.
Changing attitudes to working at height (1st May 2011)
Working at height remains the second biggest workplace killer in Great Britain, however, many organisations fail to take the commonsense, practical steps necessary to protect their workers lives.
What work should I be using ladders for? (1st May 2011)
Each issue the HSE shares one of the most popular questions it has been asked on the HSE infoline the previous month
Changes to RIDDOR: What are the implications? (1st April 2011)
The HSE is currently looking at changing the period of absence that triggers a RIDDOR report. Vikki Woodfine explains why continuing to record incidents is still crucial irrespective of the proposed changes
Ask the HSE - Is there a maximum weight a person can lift during their work? (1st February 2011)
HSE Chair calls for consultants to sign up to new benchmark register for health and safety (1st February 2011)
An important milestone has been reached in the process of implementing the new Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register (OSHCR) with the register now open for suitably qualified professionals to sign up.
From Managing safety
“For too long health and safety has been used as a convenient excuse to hide behind” (1st November 2010)
When the Prime Minister announced the appointment of Lord Young to conduct a review of health and safety and to find ways to tackle compensation culture, I welcomed it on behalf of HSE as a great opportunity to highlight the gulf between the many myths about health and safety and the reality of preventing people being killed and injured by work activities.
Is there anything extra employees need to do in winter? (1st November 2010)
Working outdoors during the winter months brings additional challenges to safety.
What to consider when providing PPE (1st October 2010)
PPE should only be a last line of defence. Businesses should deal with any risks at the source, however, where this is not possible PPE plays an essential role in protecting the health & safety of workers.
From Ppe
What do I have to do to fulfil my ‘duty to manage’ asbestos? (1st October 2010)
Is your hard hat about to expire? (1st October 2010)
Safety helmets play a vital role in protecting personnel, yet many people are unaware that like most products they have a shelf life.Doug Woodbridge looks at how technology is beginning to address this issue
Euro drive for safe maintenance (1st September 2010)
Maintenance work is key to any organisation running a safe and reliable operation. If well-planned it can save time and money, and yet is often overlooked as an inconvenience and simply a disruption to normal service. To help change this, the Health and Safety Executive is leading Britain’s launch of a new safety initiative.
Ask the HSE (1st September 2010)
Each issue the HSE shares one of the most popular questions it has been asked on the HSE Infoline the previous month
HSE employee recognised for research into carbon technology (1st June 2010)
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) employee has won a prestigious award for a paper on new technology that could help reduce global warming.
HSE crackdown on construction (1st June 2010)
With 53 deaths and more than 11,000 injuries in 2008/09, construction is one of Britain’s most dangerous industries, and it goes without saying that health and safety should be a key priority for all working in the sector.
From Construction site safety
Why do I need to employ a CDM co-ordinator? (1st June 2010)
Do you know your numbers? (1st June 2010)
The Blood Pressure Association is encouraging organisations to highlight their occupational health services by taking part in Know your Numbers! Week – the charity’s nationwide blood pressure testing event.
Free guide to safety eyewear (1st June 2010)
Specsavers Corporate Eyecare is offering a free guide to Safety Eyewear. The publication has been written for health and safety managers who need to understand the intricacies of selecting the correct safety eyewear for staff.
Quiet revolution for machinery? (1st March 2010)
A new initiative has been launched to encourage manufacturers to make quieter machinery and businesses to use it, in a bid to reduce noise-related ill health in the workplace.
There’s nothing funny about slips, trips and falls (1st March 2010)
Slips, trips and falls might sound funny but they shatter the lives of thousands of British workers ever year.
Ask the HSE - When an accident happens, what do I need to report? (1st March 2010)
Shattered Lives campaign launched (1st March 2010)
The HSE has launched a new phase of its Shattered Lives programme.
From Slips trips falls
Getting workers involved in safety (1st February 2010)
There aren't any magic wands in health and safety - no simple actions that solve all safety related challenges
Ask the HSE (1st February 2010)
HSE simplifies risk asessments (1st November 2009)
The HSE has developed a new electronic template specially for small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) which combines the requirements of a health and safety policy, risk assessment and written record of health and safety arrangements into one document.
“As a country we are getting better at ensuring safe and healthy workplaces (1st November 2009)
Every week somebody dies because of preventable safety failings in the workplace.
Fireworks advice (1st October 2009)
The HSE has released a new safety guide for firework display organisers and operators.
First Aid at Work training (1st October 2009)
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is making changes to the first aid at work (FAW) training regime to make it more flexible for businesses.
Setting the record straight on enforcement (1st October 2009)
Following the launch of HSE’s new strategy in June this year, there has been a lot of interest in the importance we placed on making enforcement and securing justice a priority.
HSE has just passed its 35th birthday (1st September 2009)
Although we have not been celebrating it, HSE has just passed its 35th birthday. The legislation that established HSE and the modern regime for protecting workers, the Health and Safety at Work Act, was introduced in 1974.
Safety alert issued on road surface top cutting machines (27th August 2009)
An investigation into a fatal incident involving a top cutting machine, which is used to prepare trenches in roads, has prompted the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to issue a safety alert warning of the dangers of using these machines without proper safety devices...
HSE launches 2009 Ladder Exchange (27th August 2009)
The HSE is once again stepping up height safety by launching its 2009 Ladder Exchange scheme which will run from the 1st September until December 2009...
Legionnaires warning after company fined (17th August 2009)
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning companies responsible for carrying out legionella surveys on water systems of the need to ensure that their work is thorough and accurate...
Accreditation for health and safety professionals necessary (15th August 2009)
Health and safety advisers need accreditation to ensure they meet appropriate standards of professional competence, the Chair of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) told guests at an International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM) reception.
The challenge for us all is to make the case that good health and safety is good business (15th August 2009)
HSE’s prime aim is always to prevent death, injury and ill health in Britain’s workplaces.
HSE launches five year strategy (25th June 2009)
The HSE has launched a new health and safety strategy for Great Britain Be Part of the Solution with an emphasis on the role everyone can play in improving health and safety.
“Now the real work must start...” (25th June 2009)
When we launched our draft strategy for consultation in December, we told our partners that we needed their help and support to make its goals a reality. That's why we subtitled it Be Part of the Solution.
One in five sites fail inspections (25th June 2009)
HSE inspectors visited 1759 refurbishment sites during March and checked on how 2145 contractors were complying with health and safety regulations.
New HSE Strategy: Be part of the safety solution (25th June 2009)
In the three decades since the Health and Safety
Website to prevent work-related stress (1st May 2009)
A new website designed to help businesses prevent work-related stress has been launched by the HSE.
New Act comes into force (1st February 2009)
The Health and Safety Offences Act came into force this January signalling tougher penalties for those who breach health and safety regulations. The new Act raises the potential punishments available to the courts in relation to health and safety offences, quadrupling the maximum fine in the magistrates courts from £5k to £20k.
DVD paves the way for healthier work (1st February 2009)
A multimedia campaign including a free DVD has been launched by HSE in collaboration with the construction industry to educate construction workers on how to protect themselves from inhaling RCS.
Free DVD shows construction workers how to avoid silicosis (7th January 2009)
As part of its campaign to get construction workers to recognise the risks they face as a result of inhaling dust the HSE has produced a free DVD which shows workers how to protect themselves...
Myth of the month (7th January 2009)
This month's Myth of the month from the HSE is that 'If you call HSE for help, you’ll end up with an unwanted inspection...
Myth of the month (12th December 2008)
This month's Myth of the month from the HSE is that 'Children are banned from throwing snowballs'...
HSE calls for greater stakeholder involvement as it launches new strategy (3rd December 2008)
The HSE has called on industry stakeholders to play their part as it launches "Be part of the Solution" the consultation on its new strategy for the health and safety of Great Britain...
Chemical overreaction (1st December 2008)
The REACH (Registration, Evaluation,
HSE LAUNCHES CONSULTATION ON NEW HEALTH AND SAFETY STRATEGY (1st December 2008)
Executive (HSE) has launched a consultation on its new strategy: The Health and Safety of Great Britain Be Part of the Solution.
From Safety first
Beware of the silent killer, HSE's reminder during CO Awareness week (18th November 2008)
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has lent its support to CO (carbon monoxide) Awareness Week, organised by campaign group CO Awareness...
Myth of the month: Children need to be wrapped in cotton wall to keep them safe (4th November 2008)
November's Myth of the Month from the HSE addresses the myth that children should be wrapped up in cotton wool to keep them safe...
Health and Safety (Offences) Act 2008 receives Royal Assent (4th November 2008)
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has welcomed the Health and Safety (Offences) Act 2008 which received Royal Assent yesterday (16 October 2008)...
Drop in workplace deaths (3rd November 2008)
New statistics published by the HSE reveal a reduction in the numbers of people killed, injured or made ill by work during 2007/08...
Myth of the month: Health and Safety laws ban bonfires (2nd October 2008)
The HSE's myth of the month for October addresses the myth that health and safety law bans bonfires...
Less paperwork required? What do you think? (1st October 2008)
The HSE wants your views on proposals to remove several legislative form filling requirements that apply to most businesses operating from a factory, office or shop in Great Britain...
HSE kicks off asbestos campaign (1st October 2008)
The HSE has launched a national campaign to target tradesmen at risk from asbestos exposure...
HSE to launch new health and safety strategy (15th September 2008)
HSE Chair Judith Hackitt has announced that the HSE is to launch a new strategy this December...
Warning on handling hazardous substances (12th September 2008)
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has told companies, particularly those in the major hazard sector, that they must ensure their workforce follows approved company safety procedures...
Myth of the month (8th September 2008)
This month's Myth of the Month from the HSE is: 'The HSE bans this, that and the other...
Ladder exchange starts 1st September 2008 (18th August 2008)
Ladder Exchange 2008 aims to highlight the risks associated with using a dodgy ladder and provide employers with the opportunity to exchange their substandard ladder for a new one at a discounted price...
Myth of the month (18th August 2008)
This month's myth of the month from the HSE addresses the myth that Even Mr Punch needs a written risk assessment...
HSE issues stark warning on asbestos (14th August 2008)
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a stark warning about managing the risks from asbestos, following its prosecution of two companies in Essex...
Advice site launched (1st August 2008)
Music and entertainment industry representatives have launched a website providing guidance on noise at work legislation.
Workplace transport checklist updated (21st July 2008)
The HSE has updated its workplace transport checklist – a guide to what employers should consider when trying to reduce the risk from vehicles in the workplace...
Risk management Action Pack now available to download (21st July 2008)
Risk assessment is the focus of the European campaign for Safety and Health at Work for 2008-09, you can now get involved by downloading your campaign pack...
Myth of the month (21st July 2008)
This month's Myth of the Month from the HSE addresses the myth that poles have been banned in fire stations because of safety laws...
Fall in fatal workplace injuries no reason for complacency, says HSE (1st July 2008)
Provisional figures of work-related fatal injuries in Great Britain issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) this week have reveald that 228 workers lost their lives as a result of accidents/incidents at work in 2007/08 compared to 247 workers in 2006/07...
Focus on risk assessment (27th June 2008)
The European Campaign for Safety and Health at Work for 2008-09 will focus on risk assessment...
Local exhaust ventilation website launched (11th June 2008)
A new website has been launched to complement HSE guidance on how to apply and use local exhaust ventilation (LEV) to remove airborne contaminants from the workplace before people breathe them in...
Industry update (1st June 2008)
One in three of the 1,000 plus construction sites visited by the HSE as part of a targeted inspection initiative earlier this year were found to be putting workers lives at risk, explains the Health and Safety Executive's Chief Inspector of Construction, Stephen Williams...
Local exhaust ventilation website launched (1st June 2008)
A new website has been launched to complement HSE guidance on how to apply and use local exhaust ventilation (LEV) to remove airborne contaminants from the workplace before people breathe them in.
From Breathing safely
Time to get ready for REACH (1st June 2008)
New EU rules for controlling chemicals will increase confidence in their safe use – but manufacturers, importers and users of chemicals need to get involved now, says DEFRA.
Shattered lives: website updated (1st June 2008)
Visitors to the Health & Safety Executive's website will find that the home page of its Shattered Lives campaign has been restyled.
Updated guidance on what to expect when a Health and Safety Awareness officer calls (12th May 2008)
The HSE has updated its guidance on what to expect when a health and safety awareness officer calls...
Health and safety leadership must come from the top, reminds HSE (6th May 2008)
The Chair of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Judith Hackitt has reminded board members and senior business directors to put effective health and safety performance high on their agendas...
Myth of the month (6th May 2008)
This month's Myth of the Month from the HSE addresses the myth that all park benches must be replaced because they are 3 inches too low...
Major hazards sectors more alike than they think (1st May 2008)
Over 200 leaders from the major hazards sectors met last week to share best practice and learning on process safety...
Construction industry could do more, says HSE (22nd April 2008)
Early unvalidated figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) suggest that around 69 construction workers were killed in 2007/08.
Myth of the month (10th April 2008)
Health and safety laws have banned hanging baskets...
HSE and HSC merge (1st April 2008)
The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have merged to form a single national regulatory body responsible for promoting the cause of better health and safety at work...
Shattered Lives: Start your own campaign (1st April 2008)
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched its 'Shattered Lives' campaign, in February 2008 with a two month advertising campaign to try and create a step-change in the attitudes of both business managers and their
HSC and HSE become one (1st April 2008)
The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) officially merged on 1st April to form a single national regulatory body responsible for promoting the cause of better health and safe
Performance of the refurbishment sector of the construction industry unacceptable says HSE (17th March 2008)
"Over one in three construction sites visited put the lives of workers at risk and operated so far below the acceptable standard that our inspectors served 395 enforcement notices and stopped work on 30% of the sites", Geoffrey Podger, HSE's Chief Executive has said...
Get involved in HSE Slips, Trips & Falls Campaign (3rd March 2008)
As it launches its 'Shattered Lives' campaign which aims to highlight the devastating consequences of simple slips, trips and falls the HSE has released several downloadable resources for businesses...
Risk assessment example for small businesses (3rd March 2008)
The HSE has released an example risk assessment for a call centre designed at showing the kind of approach a small business might take to risks assessment...
Myth of the month (3rd March 2008)
Myth: Toy 'weapons' in a play had to be locked-up and registered with the police...
Occupational health management tool for construction industry launched (5th February 2008)
In a bid to help the construction industry tackle occupational health issues, the HSE has launched its Construction Occupational Health Management Essentials (COHME) for construction companies...
HSE Myth of the month (5th February 2008)
Myth: If a pupil is hurt, the teacher is likely to be sued...
Health tool for construction sites (1st February 2008)
In a bid to help the construction industry tackle occupational health issues, HSE has launched its Construction Occupational Health Management Essentials (COHME) for construction companies.
HSC welcomes Risk and Regulation Advisory Council (21st January 2008)
Ladder exchange - the results (17th January 2008)
Last year, the hse aimed to take 4000 substandard ladders out of the workplace by working with its partners in a Ladder Exchange scheme...
Myth of the month (8th January 2008)
The HSE's first myth of the month for 2008 is that safety experts’ New Year resolution is to make the life of business people as miserable as possible...
HSE issues warning after employee injured by overturned dumper truck (8th January 2008)
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned of the need to ensure that the operators of equipment are suitably trained and risks fully assessed before they start work following a prosecution in Stockport...
Myth of the month (10th December 2007)
This month the HSE addresses the myth that every possible risk needs a safety sign...
HSE announces vibration workshops (3rd December 2007)
Following the success of the EEF/HSE Noise and Vibration Roadshows, HSE with EEF are holding three vibration surgery events...
Building a safer industry (1st December 2007)
Following the lowest recorded figure for construction deaths in 2005/06 (60), fatalities jumped dramatically to 77 in 2006/07. Georgina Bisby asks Stephen Williams, the HSE's chief inspector of construction, what went wrong and what's to be done about it
Size does not matter (1st December 2007)
Speaking at the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) think tank event in early December, Judith Hackitt, chair of the Health and Safety Commission, reminded employers that when it comes to the protection of their e
Myth of the month (7th November 2007)
The latest myth busting cartoon from the Health and Safety Exceutive (HSE) addresses the myth that workers are banned from putting
Calls for more eyes and ears on the ground, as IoD launches director's guidance (5th November 2007)
The IOD and HSE have joined forces to launch new guidance for directors on leading health and safety at work...
HSE falls from vehicles campaign underway (4th October 2007)
With the aim of raising awareness of the risk of falling that workers are exposed to when accessing and/or working at height on vehicles, the HSE's Falls from vehicles campaign is running from October through to December...
Strong and committed boardroom leadership the key to improving health and safety (3rd October 2007)
The key to improving health and safety in our workplaces is strong leadership from the board, new HSC Chair Judith Hackitt, CBE, has said on her first day in office....
Slips and trips event, Scotland (1st October 2007)
A free, one-day event for Scottish local authorities is being organised by the HSE to advise on how to manage slips and trips.
'Back up safely' HSE warns HGV drivers (3rd September 2007)
Following a recent prosecution, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has brought the safe operation of heavy goods vehicles into sharp focus...
241 lives lost is unacceptable, says HSE (7th August 2007)
Responding to the latest work related fatal injuries statistics which show fatalities have risen for 2006/07, Sir Bill Callaghan of the HSE has issued a fresh challenge to industry to do more to place safety at the top of its agenda...
Myth of the month (7th August 2007)
The latest myth busting cartoon from the Health and Safety Exceutive (HSE) addresses the myth that egg boxes are banned in craft lessons as they might cause salmonella...
HSC says don’t overcomplicate health and safety (7th August 2007)
The HSE has announced it is aiming to reduce the cost of risk assessment to most businesses by a third as part of the Government's Better Regulation Agenda...
Euroweek 2007 focuses on manual handling (1st August 2007)
This year's Euro Week is set to 'lighten the load' as it focuses on musculoskeletal disorders and manual handling which remain the most common cause of occupational ill health, with a total of 190 000 new cases reported to th
From Handling storing
Taking steps to improve ladder safety (1st August 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 s
Myth of the month (4th July 2007)
This month the HSE addresses the myth "All office equipment must be tested by a qualified electrician every year"...
Asbestos regs strengthened (1st June 2007)
The HSE has issued a reminder to the asbestos licensed industry that the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 have been further strengthened by the requirement that anyone who certifies premises to be safe to be re-o
Controlling major risks (1st June 2007)
Bill Callaghan, Chair of the Health and Safety Commission has called on leaders in the chemical and major hazard industries to reinforce partnership working practices with the HSE and the Competent Authority
Nationwide inspections (1st June 2007)
Last year, of the 59 worker deaths in construction, 24 were caused by a fall from height. A further 4000 major injuries, such as broken bones or fractured skulls were reported by the construction industry and half of
CO warning (1st April 2007)
The HSE is reminding those on construction sites of the dangers of using equipment powered by internal combustion engines in confined or poorly ventilated spaces. This follows an accident in December when three men suffered f
Cdm regs now in force (1st April 2007)
The new Construction (Design and Management) Regulations were launched this month at an industry stakeholder event attended by Minister for Health and Safety, Lord McKenzie, and a cross-section from the construction industry.
Myth of the month (1st April 2007)
The myth: HSE has banned stepladders. The reality – HSE has not banned stepladders, nor has it banned ladders.
For straightforward, short duration work, HSE says that stepladders and ladders can be a good option, so long as
Volunteers wanted for Pilot Project (1st December 2005)
The Health and Safety Executive are calling for small and medium enterprises to take part in a pilot project with the aim of reducing ill-health in construction.
New power press guidance (1st October 2003)
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published new guidance aimed at tackling the poor maintenance of power presses, that is responsible for 40% of accidents involving mechanical presses. It is essential that power presses are properly inspected
