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16 November 2005 - Reminder of Ladder Week
Initiative
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Further to Health and Safety for Beginners (HSfB) published
article on the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE's) Ladder Week Initiative
on 14 October 2005, we feel a reminder of this event and its importance
should be highlighted once again.
The aim of the Ladder Week Initiative (14 - 18 November 2005),
is to promote the safe use of ladders for a reduction in the number of
fatalities and serious injuries incurred through incorrect use of ladders in the
workplace.
Falls from height is the number one cause of workplace
fatalities and one of the main causes of serious injuries. One third
of all falls from heights attributes to ladder workers. In 2003/04
figures show 13 ladder workers were killed with more than 1,200 receiving major
injuries.
Local HSE offices have organised individual events working in
partnership with such groups as local employers, trade associations, equipment
hire companies etc. with events such as the following:
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Safety and Health Awareness Days.
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Practical demonstrations of alternative equipment to ladders.
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Breakfast meetings with employers and health and safety
professionals.
Ian Greenwood, HSE Falls from Height Team Leader said:
"With a little more planning and assessment of the risks,
understanding of the limitations of ladders, proper maintenance and checking
that users are competent, many of these accidents could be avoided.
"A major injury, such as a broken bone or fractured skull, can often be a life
changing event for the person concerned and their family. Quite apart from the
personal suffering, an injury of this sort can adversely affect earning power
and job prospects for a long time after the accident."
Further information on Ladders Week, Work at Height Regulations,
Guidance etc. is available from the HSE's Webpage and can be accessed by
clicking the following:
HSE
Falls - Ladders Week
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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