Fresh approach to ladder training

The Ladder Association is urging ladder users – and those responsible for managing the safe use of ladders – to take a fresh approach to ladder training.

‘Get a grip’ on ladder safety’ is a new campaign that aims to put ladder training at the top of the height safety agenda.

“When it’s right to use a ladder, use the right ladder and get trained to use it safely,” the association said.

With falls from height still one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and injuries – accounting for 35 fatalities in 2017/2018 – and with businesses facing record fines for failing to keep workers safe, the campaign sets out to ensure that everyone using a ladder is fully trained and competent to do so.

“A contractor using any other piece of access equipment would automatically look to train their staff, so what’s different about using ladders?” the Ladder Association said.

Chair of the association’s training committee Steve Booker said: “The Work at Height Regulations require that everyone involved in the work is competent, so successfully completing a Ladder Association training course – and getting a LadderCard – is one way of helping to demonstrate that competence.”

The Association has created a free ‘ladder safety pack’ providing information on the recent changes to European ladder standard EN131. It details the correct way to use and inspect ladders and the route to obtaining a LadderCard through official Ladder Association training.