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Why investing in professional ladder inspections makes business sense for the construction industry

28 January 2018 – In October 2018 the Health and Safety Executive reported that over the last five years falls from a height accounted for 26% of all fatal injuries, an average of 37 fatal injuries per year . Falls from height were the top cause of injury by 8%. These statistics suggest that ladders are still not being used correctly by workers and are not fit for purpose. Having ladders professionally inspected on a regular basis is an effective method of preventing falls and injuries. As a specialist in access equipment, ZARGES has comprehensive expertise in safety and advises companies on how to prevent accidents in the long run.

Despite long term reductions in the number of workers injured each year, the kinds of accident profile remain similar. With this in mind, companies cannot become complacent in their approach to ensuring personnel safety.

If companies fail to be vigilant about their ladder safety they could be opening themselves up to various problems. Not only could it lead to significant labour shortages and therefore affect productivity levels, but it could also result in substantial financial losses. Either in the form of lost orders or even fines. The risk of losing a valued member of staff to injury should make businesses sit up and take action over investing in regular ladder inspections – and that’s without worrying about the potential cost of lawsuits.                

The ladder inspection process

Knowing the ladder inspection process is the first step to ensuring effective health and safety. For instance, occupational safety regulations require all companies to have their access equipment periodically inspected by a qualified person. To become a qualified inspector, a member of the team has to complete a training course at an approved and audited training centre, which will check whether the guidelines are adhered to. The frequency of inspection depends on a range of factors from how often ladders are used to the stress products are under and any previous defects.

UK businesses are required by law to comply with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR). Complying with these Regulations involves employers and those in control of any work at height activity making sure work is properly planned, supervised and carried out by trained personnel. Most importantly, companies must stay vigilant about employees using the right type of equipment for working at height. Both employers and employees have a legal obligation to take reasonable care and ensure their health and safety duties and requirements are complied with.

Step-by-step guide for ladder inspections

By following this simple checklist companies can rest assured knowing they have taken the right steps and precautions towards a safer working environment.

  • The ladder inspection begins with a visual and functional inspection of each ladder to ensure that all rungs are securely attached and that all fixings and rivets are not loose
  • The inspector should also check the slip resistance of ladder feet and ensure that there are neither missing parts nor severe signs of wear
  • It is important not to forget to record the inspection result on a control sheet or label for every ladder
  •  After the inspection, an inspection plate should be affixed to the ladder in a prominent position if it is deemed ‘out of order’
  • Defective ladders must be removed from use until they have been repaired

Regular ladder inspections are critical because they enable companies to remove sources of hazard in a timely manner and therefore be on the safe side in terms of occupational safety. We don’t want to talk about access in terms of fear and gloom. We’d much rather discuss how ladders can save businesses money, and enable them to effect repairs, maintenance or install equipment in hard-to-reach places. That being said, ensuring that ladders are used in total safety and conveniently at any time relies on having frequent inspections.