Keywords
Citation
(2006), "Ladders are not banned but they should be used sensibly", Structural Survey, Vol. 24 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ss.2006.11024aab.003
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Ladders are not banned but they should be used sensibly
Ladders are not banned but they should be used sensibly
Keywords: Ladders, Health and safety
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) spoke on BBC’s Newsnight programme last September to dispel the myth that window cleaners can no longer use ladders because they are banned by the Work at Height Regulations (WAHR). Sensible risk management is the key to securing compliance with health and safety regulations, including the WAHR. Since the introduction of the WAHR there have been rumours in various industry sectors claiming that ladders are “illegal” or “banned by HSE”. Falls from ladders resulted in 14 deaths at work last year. Every year falls at work cause some 4,000 major injuries (ranging from fractures to hospitalisations). Nearly a third (over 1,000) of these major injuries follow falls from ladders. HSE is planning a number of initiatives this year to promote safe, sensible ladder use, including the launch of a new guide, Safe Use of Ladders and Stepladders, in the autumn.