TRADE BODY PROMOTES SAFE USE OF LADDERS

Ladder Association launches ‘Advocate Scheme’ for regular users

The Ladder Association aims to inform those who use, or manage the use of, ladders and stepladders in the workplace about the latest developments in ladder safety, best practice and standards.

The Association has created a special team of ‘Ladder Advocates’ – senior members of its Executive Committee – who are available to address national and regional meetings of trade and professional bodies whose members are regular ladder users.

Ladder Association chairman, Chris Ball said:

“We have identified an information gap in the marketplace. Since the introduction of the Work at Height Regulations much has been said and written about ladders, especially in the popular press. Myths and misconceptions have been rife and this latest initiative is intended to put the record straight.

With an estimated 2 million ladders and stepladders in daily use, the Advocate Scheme will showcase the indispensable contribution this invaluable piece of equipment is making in the workplace and, in addition, highlight its safe and proficient use through training and best practice. Above all, it will reinforce the Association’s principal message that if it’s right to use a ladder, use the right ladder and get trained to use it safely.”

Presentations tailored for audiances

The presentations are described as ‘non-commercial’, focusing on fact not fiction and covering a range of topics including a screening of the Association’s latest Toolbox Talk. It can be tailored to suit particular audiences – for example, safety professionals, construction site supervisors, CDM specialists and facilities managers.

Specific questions can be submitted in advance to ensure the subject matter is relevant to the audience. Standard topics include:

Ladders and the Work at Height Regulations;
What the HSE says about ladders;
Selecting ladders through risk assessment;
Using the right ladder and using it safely;
Competency and the case for training;
Planning and organising work using ladders;
The critical role of inspection and maintenance;
Impending changes to ladder standards;
Trends in design and ladder technology.

Following an informal question and answer session at the end of each presentation, delegates receive a free copy of the Association’s latest 12-page LadderBook and LadderCard information poster.

The scheme is available nationally and is free of charge. Interested organisations are simply asked to complete a short questionnaire in advance giving details of the event and the nature of their interest. Contact jill.couttie@ladderassociation.org.uk T: 0845 260 1048

This article was posted on 28th April 2011

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