March 1, 2004—The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has just published a report including the latest research on ladder safety. Evaluating the performance and effectiveness of ladder stability devices, Final Report is one of a range of projects currently being undertaken by HSE to get a better understanding of why falls from height happen and what designers, manufacturers, employers, workers, and others can do to prevent them.
The research report, undertaken by Loughborough University on behalf of HSE, includes a review of current understanding of ladder stability, reviews ladder stability devices available now, and sets out a series of trials undertaken to test stability. The report provides a means of testing ladders, including those fitted with stability devices, establishes the significance of ground slopes on stability, and reinforces the significance of cleaning and maintaining ladder feet so that they retain grip.
According to HSE, falls from height—any height—killed 49 workers in the UK last year, including 11 who fell from moveable ladders. HSE figures show that such falls also led to some 4,000 major injuries, of which about a third were the result of falls from moveable ladders. Since using a ladder is often the best means of working at height, HSE wants to ensure the safety of those who choose to work this way.
Evaluating the performance and effectiveness of ladder stability devices, Final Report RR205, is available on the HSE Web site. It will also be available for 35.00 from HSE Books.
