23rd October 2007, 07/363
Council climbs the ladder for health and safety
awareness
With startling figures revealed for
workplace injuries involving working at height, West Lancashire
District Council is visiting businesses to raise awareness of
ladder safety during European Week for Safety & Health.
Last year in the UK alone, 13 people died from falls while working
on a ladder, and more than 1,200 people suffered major
injuries
So throughout European Week for Safety & Health, Council
officers will be visiting local businesses between 22nd and 26th
October to help raise awareness of the risks associated with ladder
use.
The Council's Commercial Safety Team will be giving out free guides
covering safety and providing top tips, as well as giving good
practical advice on how both employers and users should use ladders
safely.
Councillor John Baldock, Portfolio Holder for Environment and
Health, said: "Falls from ladders cause death and major injury -
nearly a third of major injuries from falls from height each year
are caused by falls from ladders. Falls from ladders also result in
considerable trauma for the people injured, their colleagues,
family and friends, and considerable costs for employers.
"These falls are preventable if people plan work properly, assess
the risks and choose the right work equipment when working at
height. The new guides that we are giving out will help managers
and workers to sensibly manage the risks associated with ladder
use."
Key top tips include:
* Ladders should only be used for low risk, short duration
work
* Always use the correct ladder for the task
* If a ladder is the right equipment to use, it should be in good
condition, prevented from slipping and used by competent
people
* There should always be a handhold available
The guides that the team will be giving out build on the 'Work at
Height Regulations 2005' and are published by the Health and Safety
Executive.
Information packs are also available by calling West Lancashire
District Council's Commercial Safety Team on 01695 585352.
To find out more about the work of the team, visit the Health and Safety
section.
Related information
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