Bob Baldock, General Manager at TB Davies Group said British Industry needs to focus on providing its people with proper working at height training as well as increasing productivity to improve ladder safety.
“Whilst the construction industry has improved working at height injuries by effectively banning ladder the wider industry is still suffering due to a lack of training.” says Baldock.
“Historically in the majority of professions, workers could work at height without the need for formal training because experience was qualification enough in the past.”
Mr Baldock said that because ladders are such a fundamental piece of equipment formal ladder training is often sneered at. The fact is they can provide efficient and safe method of work providing they are selected and used correctly.
The group’s chief trainer Chris Chivell added, “Companies need to ensure their operatives can not only work safely from ladders and steps but ensure the correct equipment is selected in the first place. The course we currently run aims to educate experienced and new users on not only how to use ladder product how to risk assess projects along with how to maintain and inspect their equipment.”
Mr Baldock concluded, “Those with years of experience in the industry should be required to formalise their knowledge via suitable training and I am sure this will lead to fewer accidents and injuries when working from ladders. Accidents are easily avoided when armed with the correct knowledge. This in turn can increase productivity and increase confidence in ladders as the best tool for safe working at height.”
