HSS Hire, the UK’s award-winning tool and equipment hire company, has announced it will be supporting the Ladder Association’s new safety campaign ‘Don’t be a Ladder Lightweight’.

The initiative will encourage proper training in ladder use to help combat the over-confident and sometimes unsafe approach of ladder users who underestimate the associated dangers. The campaign is also aimed at ensuring ladder users, managers and supervisors are competent in line with Work at Height regulations.

With an estimated 2 million operated daily, ladders are – and will remain – an invaluable and flexible piece of workplace equipment. However, as with any type of working at height, they pose potential risks to the well-being of the operator and the ‘Ladder Lightweight’ campaign hopes to educate those that take ladders and their associated risks for granted.

Ladder Association chairman, Chris Ball, says: “Sadly, familiarity breeds contempt. Our aim is simply to promote an informed and professional approach to ladder use, just like any other piece of access equipment. Falls can be avoided by sensible and proportionate management of the risks – knowledge and skills best acquired through training. We’ve actively supported the Health and Safety Executive’s Ladder Exchange initiative for the last 3 years to help highlight the importance of safe ladder use”.

Integral to the initiative is the association’s new Code of Practice which can also be used as a stand-alone reference. With a foreward from the HSE, the code comprises employers’ and users’ responsibilities, the Working at Height Regulations, risk avoidance and the importance of planning, inspection and maintenance. The CoP also complements the Ladder Association’s one-day training course, offered by HSS Training.

Head of Health and Safety at HSS, David Wilson, adds: “The ladder is, and always will be, integral to working at height but it’s also not without risk. It’s really important that people understand the dangers of using ladders in the workplace and at home and that they are aware of the correct procedures to help minimise those risks. By using the right equipment, by ensuring that it’s fit for purpose and by being aware of the safest working practices, the risk can be managed and ladders can be used safely. We’re able to help on all accounts and are delighted to be supporting this latest ladder safety campaign”.

HSS Hire remains the only tool and equipment hire company to have achieved the coveted 4* British Safety award and also offer a comprehensive range of industry-recognised safety, technical and personnel training courses.

HSS Hire Service Group is a UK-based tool rental and equipment hire chain that has been serving big businesses, trade and DIY customers since 1957. It is the Hire Association Europe’s Hire Company of the Year 2009 and Contract Journal’s Plant Hire Company of the Year 2009. It has just been recognised by the HAE for Excellence in Customer Care.

Via EPR Network
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