Working at Height

According to official HSE statistics in 2013/14 falls from height were the most common cause of fatalities in the UK. Accounting for 29% of fatal injuries to workers (RIDDOR).

Since the introduction of the Working at Height Regulations in 2005, the number of major injuries has reduced year by year. In 2013/14 injuries from falls were 5% lower than 2012/13. Injuries from falls have slowly decreased over the years. However fatalities from falls from height have remained steady. In 2013/14 the percentage of fatal injuries occurred from falls at height didn’t decrease.

Falls from height occur in most industries and sectors. In 2013/14 about half of all fatal injuries due to falls from height were in the construction section. The construction sector also accounted for a fifth of all major fall injuries in 2013/14.

Working at Height Regulations

The Working at Height Regulations (WAH, 2005) applies to all; where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury.

As part of the Regulations you must ensure:

working at height has been planned and organised
those involved in working at height are competent
the risk from working at height have been assessed
appropriate working equipment have been selected and used
management of the risk of working on or near fragile surfaces
equipment used for working at height is safe for use

What can you do to prevent accidents?

Carry out a risk assessment

If access from a fixed point of working takes over 30 minutes and a ladder cannot be used, consider using a Mobile Step, Access Platform or an Access Tower.

Select the right equipment

Don’t make do to save money or time. As an employer you must consider your workers safety. Inappropriate use of access equipment may be dangerous and may also lead to prosecution.

Train your workers

Make sure that those using the access equipment know how to use it correctly. Including the erecting and disassembling of equipment safely. Ensure your workers are competent to work at height and use the access equipment provided.

Inspect and maintain equipment

Regular inspections of equipment ensure safe use. It’s recommended that Step Ladders and Ladders which have a daily use, have been inspected by a person of authority every 3 months. Damaged equipment should repaired or replaced immediately.

Please Note: Step ladders and ladders will fail assessment if they are:

split
cracked
have dented rungs
split or missing feet
missing screws, rivets, or protective tops

Supervise and Monitor

Check the work is being carried out as planned, as well as the correct and suitable equipment being used. Remember, everyone is covered by the Working At Height Regulation – including employers, employees, self-employed and all sub-contracted and managed trades.

How do you know if our product is certified?

To ensure our customers can find warehouse steps and ladders that meet certification, we have created a number of logos. You will find them on many of our products across our website. Find detailed list of our logos and certifications below.

Each class of ladder determines the safe working load the ladder is designed to support.

Class 1 = 175kg
EN131 = 150kg
Class 3 = 125kg

EN 131 ladders offer a quality light weight and long life domestic ladder, perfect for all your access needs within the home.

EN-131 Certified

European Standard EN-131 Ladders and Steps

The standard covers ladders and step ladders, constructed from aluminium, steel, plastic or timber. Ladders and step ladders under certification are suitable for commercial use, light trade work and heavy duty DIT. Certified to 150kg maximum load.

EN-14183

European Standard EN-14183 Low Steps and Stool Steps – for commercial uses, with maximum load of 150kg.

At Access Direct2U we offer wide range of Access Equipment; which are in stock and ready for delivery! Our ranges include: Step ladders, Access towers, Scaffolding towers and many more. Take a look at our product pages for more information, photos and to buy safely online today for our FREE UK mainland delivery service.