The Health & Safety Executive's campaign to remove faulty ladders from the market continues again this year with its hugely successful Ladder Exchange program. TB Davies will be promoting this initiative throughout September by providing customers a free audit of their access equipment by a qualified inspector. Replacements for any dodgy equipment identified during the audit will be available at a discount with advice on how to dispose of the old ladders.
Falls From Height
Falls from height continue to be the main cause of death in the workplace and one of the main causes of serious injury. Around a third of all 'Falls from Height' accidents are as a result of a fall from a ladder.
Regardless of this Geoffrey Podger, Chief Executive of the Health & Safety Executive recently told the ladder association, 'Let me be clear, ladders are not banned, and HSE has been saying this since 2005'.
Ladder Exchange 2011 promotes ladders as a perfectly acceptable method of working at height providing users have carried out a risk assessment that reaches the same conclusion. Podger went on to say, 'Ladders are not banned in the workplace, so if it's right to use a ladder, use the right ladder and get trained to use it safely.'
The scheme 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.
The Ladder Exchange campaign commences on Thursday 1st September 2011. TB Davies Director Matthew Gray who heads up the companies training services program said, 'Demonstration of competence is a key requirement of the Working at Height regulations. There are millions of ladders in daily use, which are essential to tradesmen across industry. We are able to deliver nationally recognised training from the Ladder Association to ensure operatives can select, inspect, and use their ladders safely.'
If you have any questions regarding the initiative or would like to enquire about TB Davies free inspection offer or prices for the ladder training program please call on 029 2071 3000.
