Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
The ladder exchange scheme, led by the Health and Safety Executive which allows trade users to exchange their old, broken ladders for new, safe ones, ends at the end of the year.
Run in conjunction with retailers, manufacturers and trade associations, the scheme offers businesses the chance to get their ladders checked and, where necessary, exchange them for new ones at a heavily discounted price.
In 2008/09 a total of 35 workers died and over 4500 employees suffered major injury as a result of a fall from height in the workplace. Many of these incidents could have been avoided by using the right equipment and taking simple precautions.
HSE is working in close partnership with industry to ensure that anyone involved in working at height uses the right equipment for the job and uses it safely.
Peter Brown for the HSE said: “We’ve had more than 900 ladders exchanged so far and we’re keen for more businesses to make the most of the offer before the end of the month. Every month more than 100 people fall off a ladder at work and suffer serious injuries. So many of these accidents are avoidable and having safe equipment makes a huge difference.”
The exchange discount can be up to 50% off and ladders can be exchanged at any of the partner retail outlets, which includes HSS Hire and Speedy Hire.
