Health and Safety Executive Health and Safety Executive Working at Height & Ladders

Falls Programme Why? 53Workplace fatalities (04/05P) 3884Major injuries (03/04P) 5021Over 3 day injuries (03/04P)

Ladders and Stepladders At Work – Annual Statistics: 14Fatalities (6 year average) 1203 Major injuries – 31% (03/04P) 38% High fall major injuries – 03/04P 30% Low fall major injuries – 03/04P Source:

Ladders and Stepladders At home (non-work) Annual Statistics: Most of us have a ladder or stepladder at home 50 Fatalities 37,000 Accidents DTi Website - and UK HASS/LASS

The points made in this talk do not apply to: Fixed ladders Other types of fixed access – step irons Specialist rescue ladders Roof ladders Step stools, including kick stools Warehouse steps/mobile stairs

Key Issues: Not Banning ladders Ensure the most suitable access equipment is selected and used safely Competence Anyone at work who uses or specifies the use of ladders needs adequate information and training so that they understand there limitations and safe use

Incompetence – indicators Unsafe ladders Worst ladder ever?

Incompetence – indicators Unsafe location

Incompetence – indicators Unsafe activity

Focus on – Safe ladders

Safe ladders Ladders appropriate for work use Should use –Class 1 (Industrial) or –BS EN131 (EN131) ladders Should NOT use –Class 3 (Domestic)

Domestic (Class 3)

Safe ladders Pre-use checks Visual and functional checks for obvious defects By the user Each working day & after something has changed No requirement to record Part of users training Establishes that the users ladder is safe to use now

Safe ladders Why do ladders need pre-use checks, inspections or maintenance?

Ladders Week Year 1 Raising awareness Inspection Events Local media interest Issues Risk assessment Establishing performance of equipment Maintenance

New Guidance INDG 402INDG 405INDG 403

What should you do if you use ladders? 1. Read the guidance 2. Ask yourself: –Have I assessed my ladder work? Are ladders the right equipment? Do I have the manufacturers information? –Do I have safe ladders? Are pre-use checks being done? Do I have an inspection system?

What should you do if you use ladders? –Do I have competent people? To do the assessments To use ladders If you have addressed all these issues 3. Do you ensure your contractors have done the same? Use of contractors - a joint responsibility INDG368

Health and Safety Executive Health and Safety Executive THE END