DIYWEEK.net

The work at height and access equipment manufacturer, Werner Co, is pledging its support to the Ladder Association for its latest ladder safety campaign.

As part of Werner Co’s commitment to improving safety standards across the industry, it is working with the not-for-profit organisation to urge ladder users - and those responsible for managing the safe use of ladders - to ‘Get a Grip’ on ladder training.

Whilst safety on site should be paramount there are still a shocking number of incidents happening as a result of a fall from height, said the company. In fact, it remains the highest cause of workplace accidents, with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) stating that 40% of working at height accidents occur when using a ladder.

As part of the campaign, the Ladder Association has created a range of handy free guides available to download, which covers a range of topics including using ladders and stepladders correctly, what to look out for when inspecting equipment and the benefits of professional training for use and inspection.

Werner Co marketing manager Joanne Mitchell commented: “It is important for us, as an organisation, to ensure we’re doing all we can to help protect our users, so that’s why we’re working with the Ladder Association to ensure we’re putting ladder training at the top of the safety agenda.

“The figures surrounding falls from height sadly remain the highest cause of fatal injuries and businesses have recently faced record fines for not correctly safeguarding their staff. That is why it is more important than ever to ensure everyone using a ladder is fully trained and competent to do so.”

Werner Co and the Ladder Association both carry out work at height training sessions to provide the practical knowledge required to use ladders and stepladders safely and correctly in the workplace. Those who complete the course are issued with a Ladder Card to demonstrate their competence when working with ladders.

Courses comprise practical and theory assessments, covering when and how to choose and use, how to handle and how to store a ladder, as well as how to highlight potential hazards. For inspectors, delegates can learn how to assess and determine when it is appropriate to inspect a ladder or stepladder, and how to recommend the correct action if faults are found. The inspector course is for those who have already received their initial user training and are already in possession of a Ladder Card.