Practical alternatives to using stepladders

HSE Press Release: E150-04 21 - October 2004

Eliminating or reducing the risk of falls from stepladders to electricians and other engineering contractors is the aim of new guidance published today by the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA). The guidance is part of the ECA's contribution to the 'European Week for Safety and Health at Work', which this year focuses on construction.

'Practical alternatives to using stepladders' provides information on planning, risk assessment, competency, training and choosing temporary access equipment, and gives advice on the safe use of stepladders, if they are the chosen means of access.

The guidance has been produced by the ECA with support from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Amicus and several leading trade associations, and is available to download free from the ECA website.

Announcing the guidance, Paul Reeve, ECA health and safety adviser said:

"The guide is designed to help both contractors and clients. Contractors need to keep an open mind about choosing and using alternatives to steps, particularly in advance of next year's Work at Height Regulations. However, if clients or major contractors ban steps they should be prepared to discuss practical alternatives with contractors."

Andrew East, HSE inspector Andrew East added:

"HSE is committed to being a good partner. Working with others to improve health and safety is key as the people best placed to make workplaces safer are the staff and managers who work in them. In 2003/04, 67 workers died and many thousands more suffered serious injury as a result of a fall from height in the workplace. Falls are the most common cause of fatal injury and the second most common cause of major injury to employees. This guidance is one way in which we hope to reduce the risk of falls from height and improve safety at work."

Notes to editors

1) The ECA guidance is in two parts. Part two will be ready in November 2004. It will provide more information, including photos, on possible alternatives to using stepladders, such as platform steps to podiums, towers and mobile platforms.

2) The guides are part of the ECA's ZAP (Zero Accident Potential) initiative, which aims to drive down accidents in the electrical contracting sector through the dissemination of good practice in key risk areas.

3) Since ZAP was launched in 2001, industry figures show that accidents to ECA members have fallen by 28%. In 2003, falls from height accounted for 15% of reportable accidents.

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