“Falls from height still remain one of the most
common causes of injury in the workplace and
continue to occur in the thousands”
The Werner 71600 series is ideal for working around electricity due to its not conductive stiles and features include
measures form part of an update to the
European Standard for all non-specialised
ladder products.
Ladders that are certifi ed to an earlier
standard can still be used beyond this
point, but the update – which is supported
by both Trading Standards and the HSE
– means any ladder manufactured for
professional use after January 2019 should
comply with the new requirements.
A professionally rated ladder is
manufactured and tested to
employees or anyone using work at
height equipment undertake the Ladder
Association’s accredited ladder training
scheme. The course comprises both
practical and theoretical assessments
and covers all key bases, including
how to correctly erect, use, handle and
store ladders, as well as highlighting
potential hazards. For those taking the
site inspector course, delegates can learn
how to assess and determine when it is
appropriate to inspect a ladder, and how
to recommend the correct action if faults
are found.
Upon completing the course, delegates
are issued with a Ladder Association
certifi cate, along with an accredited
LadderCard. The card can then be used
as proof of competency, helping to gain
trust among trade peers, for fi ve years.
Certain manufacturers, including
WernerCo, host the ladder training
courses, which are available to any
industry professional. WernerCo holds
regular sessions at both its Burton upon
Trent and Maldon facilities throughout
the year.
Ensuring trade professionals receive the
necessary training for working at height is
just one of the ways risks can be reduced –
it is also vital to determine that employees
are competent and using the correct
equipment.
More often than not, user error and
insuffi cient tools and equipment play a
key role in onsite accidents. However, this
can be avoided with a few simple measures
such as completing risk assessments to
identify potential hazards.
The facts can’t be ignored. Falls from
height still remain one of the most
common causes of injury in the workplace
and continue to occur in the thousands.
In order to ensure these numbers
continue to decrease, developers,
employees and health and safety
professionals must work collaboratively
to ensure all of the necessary precautions
ENQUIRY NUMBER 117
more rigorous standards than
those intended for
occasional domestic
use, maximising
safety and standing
the test of time.
While not crucial,
it is good practice
that all
www.hpmmag.com | MAY 2018 | Heating & Plumbing Monthly
59
are taken.
slip-resistant steps for comfortable standing and EDGE bracing to help prevent rail damage
The Swingback
Fibreglass Stepladder
has a multi-functional
HolsterTop to keep tools
organised and you safe
on the ladder
/www.hpmmag.com
