Businesses urged to exchange 'dodgy' ladders
March 12th 17:49 Health and Safety
British businesses are being offered the chance to trade in their "dodgy" ladders in order to reduce the risk of putting staff in danger.
The Heath and Safety Executive (HSE) recently announced that almost 7,000 ladders that were unfit for use have been replaced under its ladder exchange initiative.
Geoffrey Podger, HSE chief executive, said: "We have exchanged nearly 7,000 old ladders for new ones over the last three years and we are hoping to trade even more when the ladder exchange initiative returns later this year.
"If you take a chance with 'dodgy' ladders you are risking your life. Every month more than 100 people fall off a ladder at work and suffer serious injuries."
Taking the HSE up on its offer could help a number of firms save money as accidents on ladders will be less likely to occur.
The HSE also revealed that 35 workers died in 2008-09 as a result of a fall from height.
