Health and Safety
April 18, 2007
CAN YOU GET ON A LADDER AT WORK? - Health and Safety Myths
Promoting the sensible approach to Health and Safety, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has started a "Myth of the Month" on its website. This month, it's ladders & the often misquoted idea that the HSE has said it's not acceptable to use a ladder at work. The HSE says: " THE MYTH: = "HSE has banned stepladders". THE REALITY: = We have not banned stepladders - nor have we banned ladders! Despite this, the allegation is regularly repeated and some firms have fallen for the myth and acted upon it.
For straightforward, short duration work stepladders and ladders can be a good option, but you wouldn’t want to be wobbling about on them doing complex tasks for long periods. A large number of workers are seriously injured or killed using ladders and stepladders each year. So:
Yes – we want people to use the right equipment for the job.
Yes – there are some common-sense rules for using them safely.
But no – we have not banned them! "
You can see further related items, and Myths of the Month, at http//www.hse.gov.uk/myth/index.htm
Posted by mpearce at April 18, 2007 11:46 AM