News release 10 September 2008

A campaign to get dodgy ladders out of workplaces in South Derbyshire has got off to a great start with calls and enquiries about it coming in from the beginning.

Ladder Exchange 2008 started in the district on September 1 and aims to highlight the risks associated with using a dodgy ladder. It is also providing employers with the opportunity to exchange any substandard ladder for a new one, with a discount of up to 50%.

Letters were sent to more than 1400 warehouses, offices, shops and community work premises at the end of August to provide information about the campaign.

As well as the exchange, the campaign also involves enforcement officers from South Derbyshire District Council checking ladders when they visit premises. They are offering advice on ladder safety and if they find any that are dangerous they will make sure they are taken out of use.

Cllr Heather Wheeler, Leader of South Derbyshire District Council said: “We are very pleased that the message is getting through, it is one that could save lives. Organised by the Health & Safety Executive, Ladder Exchange is designed to educate and we much prefer that to enforcement.”

Falls from height continue to be the main cause of death - and one of the main causes of serious injury - in the workplace.

In 2005/6 there were 24 fatal injuries and 3351 major injuries as a result of falls from height, with 66% (2202) being falls from below head height. Around a third of all 'falls from height' accidents are as a result of a fall from a ladder.

The Ladder Exchange will continue in South Derbyshire at least until the end of the month.

South Derbyshire employers wishing to find out more about the scheme should contact Ruth Boam, Environmental Health Technical Officer, on 01283 221000.

picture shows Councillor Heather Wheeler and Councillor John Bladen