Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Werner, a manufacturer of ladders and access equipment, warns trade professionals not to take ‘short-cuts’ when working at height as new Health and Safety Executive (HSE) statistics are published.
The manufacturer is calling on employers to bolster safety measures at work after new figures revealed 124 people were killed in workplace incidents during 2024/25, with 35 resulting from a fall at height – more than a quarter of all worker deaths.
“Whilst this represented a slight reduction of 14 fatalities compared to the previous 12 months, this number is still far too high,” says Werner UK’s compliance manager Dave Elson, who is calling on employers to ‘redouble their efforts in improving training courses and ensuring equipment is ‘fit-for-purpose.
“Engaging the right safety protocols when working at height is crucial. For a comprehensive guide on working at height, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides an informative resource: HSE Work at Height Guide.”
His appeal comes in the wake of figures released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on July 2, which revealed the highest number of deaths occurred in the construction industry (35) and 23 across agriculture, forestry and fishing.
Werner offers a range of training options, including the Ladder Association’s Ladders & Stepladders Users Course and PASMA programs. Through its Stepping Up to Ladder Safety campaign, professionals can also access downloadable guides on ladder selection, inspection, and safe use.
