Annual HSE Campaign Gets Underway
A new campaign launched by the Health and Safety Executive to encourage companies to replace damaged and potentially unsafe ladders with new ones has been welcomed by workplace injury specialists at Irwin Mitchell.
Running for three months until the end of November, the national programme allows employers to trade in broken or bent ladders with new ones from a range of participating retail outlets.
According to the HSE, more than 8,000 unsafe ladders have been replaced since the regular campaign was launched in 2007.
David Urpeth, national head of workplace injury at Irwin Mitchell, said the campaign was an ideal opportunity for companies to assess equipment and make sure workers are well protected from the danger of falls from height.
He explained: “Our work accident cases regularly highlight how falls from height are one of the most devastating types of work accident, with victims often suffering serious, life-changing injuries as a result of such incidents.
“What is most disturbing about falls from height is how easy it is for employers to take steps to protect workers from them through the provision of quality equipment and guidance.
“We would urge all employers to take this opportunity to examine their ladders and take advantage of this scheme over the next three months.”