This year the HSE Ladder Exchange Initiative will run from 1 September until 31 December 2009.

Due to the success of earlier initiatives HSE are once again running 'The Ladder Exchange Initiative'

It is simple; if you have a ladder which is bent, broken or battered you can part exchange it for a new one at any one of the HSE partner outlets* who are offering discounts on the sales of all ladders at very competitive rates. It also provides dutyholders with an opportunity to review pre-use checks, training, supervision and other arrangements for ladder work.

Over the last two years HSE has worked collaboratively with Local Authorities, and several partner outlets, to remove over 5,500 'dodgy' ladders from the workplace.. As a result of these successes, Ladder Exchange will now be an annual initiative.

Ladders remain the most common agent involved and account for more than a quarter of all reported falls from height incidents.

It is not only the construction industry that use ladders, most business have step ladders for accessing out of the way storage or for the replacement of lightbulbs, minor repairs etc.

So take this opportunity to assess the condition of your exisiting ladders that are either in use or on site and make sure you are providing work equipment that is safe and fit for purpose and also that staff are aware of their provision and are not using make shift equipment and endangering themselves and others in the process.

* HSE partner outlets are:

Speedy

HSS Hire

SGB Hire

Ladderstore.com

T B Davies