The Safe Way Up the Ladder of Success

Safety inspectors could get a pain in the neck across south Warwickshire later this month.  They will be on the lookout for dangerous ladders as part of a national Health and Safety Executive (HSE) campaign, Ladder Safety Week 2005.

Stratford-on-Avon District Council's health inspectors will be promoting the safe use of ladders, with falls from heights being the number one killer for workplace accidents. Last year 13 people died from falls while working on ladders, and over 1,200 people suffered major injuries (national figures from HSE).

"The aim of this campaign is to increase general awareness of the risks with ladders as well as promoting their safe use," said Cllr Hazel Wright, portfolio holder for social inclusion.  

"Many accidents could be avoided with a little more common sense.  

"Apart from the pain of the injured person, the whole family can suffer as a result of an accident."  

HSE has produced free guides to help raise awareness of the risks associated with ladders, including their use where other equipment is not practical such as in restricted spaces. 

Further information on safe use of ladders is available free on the HSE website at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/  The website includes a number of case studies of falls from ladders, together with advice on the precautions that should be taken to prevent such accidents.  The campaign runs from 21 to 25 November.