A lot of our customers come to us to help them come up with solutions to replace ladders and steps. Although we feel access equipment is usually the most safe and productive method of working at height, sometimes a ladder may be appropriate.
Ladders:
Ladders do comply with HSE requirements and for some Jobs can be the most appropriate form of equipment. Ladders can only take a certain weight, therefore limited supplies can be carried at height. The risk of using a ladder is higher than the use of access equipment, according to HSE 40% of falls from height where from Ladders. HSE also recommend that if your task would require staying up a leaning ladder or stepladder for more than 30 minutes at a time, it is recommended that you consider alternative equipment.
Access Platforms:
Employers can improve safety and employee welfare by investing in good access equipment. Helping reduce the impact of employee ill-health, wellbeing issues and improving absence rates. Access platfroms also reduce downtime as they only require one operator. Platforms can reach a wide range of heights and can hold equipment, supplies or tools when at height. Companies who start using access platforms often see lower injury and accident rate. By ensuring good practice and a positive culture of health and safety companies reduce the risk of reputational or financial damage, and promote good employee relations.
But the fact does remain that addressing how people go about everyday tasks in the safest and most efficient manner has so many benefits for organisations of all shapes and sizes, it is definitely worth a little management time. If you or your company could benefit from some specific guidance on working at height safely, efficiently, and within the regulations and recommendations of the UK HSE then please give our team a call on: 0113 287 8446
