HSE publishes research report on the safe use of ladders

HSE Press Release E026:04 20 February 2004

'A great step up' in understanding ladder stability has been made with the publication today by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) of the latest research on ladders, said HSE's Bill Gillan, who manages HSE's Priority Programme on Falls from Height.

Evaluating the performance and effectiveness of ladder stability devices, Final Report is the result of research undertaken by Loughborough University for HSE. It 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 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.

Bill Gillan continued:

'Falls from height - and I emphasise any height - killed 49 workers 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. There will always be circumstances when using a ladder is the best means of working at height. HSE wants to ensure the safety of those who choose to work this way.'

'This research, which has been reviewed by independent experts, has come just in time to help us and industry with our thinking on proposals for new Work at Height Regulations and supporting guidance. We plan to discuss these findings with the main industry associations as soon as possible.'

Evaluating the performance and effectiveness of ladder stability devices Final Report RR205 is available on the HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr205.htm

Notes to editors

1. The research was undertaken by Loughborough University's Applied Ergonomics and Safety Research Institute on behalf of HSE. It has been independently reviewed by both a UK and non-UK expert whose comments were taken into account in verifying the work. The overall aim of commissioning the research was to seek to reduce the number of ladder-related injuries from a better understanding of how people actually use ladders.
2. HSE is currently consulting on draft proposals for new Work at Height Regulations and supporting guidance. This includes ladder safety. The consultation closes on 2 April 2004. For further details see http://www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd192.htm. General information on HSE's Falls from Height priority programme can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/index.htm
3. HSE and the industry will be looking closely at this research to see what further lessons can be learned and carried forward into general guidance on the new Regulations. HSE is working with the industry and others to ensure appropriate equipment is used for work at heights.
4. This work has also led to the production of a predictive computer model. The computer model will be available shortly as a free download from the HSE website. It is hoped that this model will assist manufacturers in producing ladders and stability devices that will meet users demands.

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