Panorama Health and safety: a grave error of judgment

Judith Hackitt Chairwoman of the HSE agrees that whilst topple testing gravestones is deemed a mistake, it doesn't regret working at height legislation. Ladders, it reckons, are dangerous kit. Its website has a whole microsite devoted to them.

On Panorama aired on BBC in April, presenter Quentin Letts took a one-day ladder course. He is now a certified ladder-climber. "For people who are using them all day, every day," shrugs Hackitt, "it's probably not a bad thing. A one or two-day training course."

Really? Just for a ladder?

"Yes," says Hackitt. "And the best ladder courses will not just go through the basics but will show the consequences of bad practice. This guy fell off a ladder - that's what happens if you don't do it properly. People need to get past the 'I'm fireproof' argument. 'It won't happen to me'."

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TB Davies achieve ISO 9001:2008

TB Davies, one of the leading Ladder and Access Equipment specialists in the UK, today announced it was the first firm in the ladder industry and amongst the first in Wales to achieve ISO 9001:2008 certification.

Introduced last November, ISO 9001:2008 is the latest version of the internationally recognised standard for an organisation's internal Quality Management. TB Davies Quality Assurance Manager, John Jackson, said, "In meeting the new standard, we are demonstrating our continued commitment to ensuring customer satisfaction through the provision of quality products and the delivery of quality services."

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TB Davies new All Glass Fibre steps will help reduce shock risks

After developing an industry leading insulated access range, TB Davies is about to introduce a new High Performance All Glass Fibre step, designed to be used in extremely demanding environments, targeting both the electrical and chemical industries.

"We started test-marketing the new High Performance range about six months ago and the response has been very good," TB Davies General Manager Bob Baldock said. Unlike traditional glass fibre steps that have a high proportion of conductive metal parts, the new range features an all glass fibre frame and treads.

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Recovery still a long way off

The deepening UK recession will impact heavily on the flow of new construction projects throughout 2009. The short-term outlook especially remains harsh. Following sustained falls in projects in the pre-construction pipeline, the Glenigan Index is forecast to contract by almost a quarter year-on-year in the second quarter of 2009.

Residential prospects are expected to deteriorate further over the next six months. Planning approvals have declined as house builders focus upon securing sales at existing sites and reducing their work in progress.

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TB Davies help the monorail at Chester zoo keep running

The monorail at Chester Zoo will shortly be back in operation, due to the completion of a programme of engineering works. The monorail runs every day around the 110 acre park allowing visitors to get close to over 7000 animals from 400 different species.

Parts of the works require regular safe access to the trains for essential maintenance and inspections.

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Engineer impaled through buttocks

A telephone engineer has been impaled on a spiked metal railing after falling from a ladder in Plymouth.

The Virgin Media employee was taken to hospital with a section of railing still lodged through his buttock after being carefully cut free by the emergency services.

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