Summer is the perfect time to enjoy your outdoor space. Whether you're firing up the barbecue, relaxing on the patio with a good book or enjoying the long evenings outside with family and friends, now's the season to get outside and make the most of your garden.
A recent case reported by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has highlighted the very real dangers of improper ladder use.
Back in December 2023, a labourer in the West Midlands suffered serious injuries after falling from a ladder that had been placed across a stairwell opening. Following an HSE investigation, the Staffordshire-based construction firm that appointed the worker has been fined £16,000 (plus £4,000 in costs). On top of this, the company's director – who was working nearby when the incident occurred – has been fined £2,000 (plus £1,386 in costs).
A recent news report highlights the danger of using cheap, poorly-made telescopic ladders.
Photo credit: Mark Hunter (licensed under CC BY 2.0)
According to this Metro article, an electrician suffered broken ribs after falling around 15 feet onto a concrete floor when his telescopic ladder reportedly snapped in half. The ladder had been purchased online via Amazon.
Incidents like this are a serious reminder that when you're working at height, the quality of your ladder really matters.
This week (12th – 16th May 2025) is No Falls Week.
Now in its second year, this annual campaign aims to promote good height safety practices in British workplaces. Falls from height kill more workers in this country than any other type of accident, so it's crucial for employers and their staff to understand the risks that come with working at height and the steps that can be taken to mitigate said risks.
Falls from ladders are the most common type of fall from height in UK workplaces, so we at Ladders UK Direct take height safety very seriously indeed. In the spirit of No Falls Week, here's some advice to follow if you (or your employees) need to use a ladder while working...
Working at height always comes with risks, whether you’re using scaffolding, ladders or work platforms.
Today, we’ve got 8 tips to help minimise your risk and maximise your safety when you need to make use of an elevated work platform.
Pictured: Krause 5 Way Ladder Platform
