The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) is launching the ladder exchange program on September 1st, which will run through to December 31st. The aim of the initiative is to get rid of as many unsafe and potentially dangerous ladders and stepladders as possible. Over the past two years the HSE has operated ladder exchange initiatives with local authorities and partner stores, which has seen over 5,500 unsafe ladders withdrawn from workplaces. As a result of these previous successes, the Ladder Exchange initiative will become an annual fixture.

So if you have an old, bent, broken or battered ladder, you can have yours replaced in part exchange for a new ladder. Partner stores are offering discounts on ladders at very competitive rates to tempt organisations to replace potentially dangerous ladders with new, safer ladders.

Ladders remain the most common cause of falls from height and account for more than a quarter of all reported falls from height. It is not only the construction industry where ladders are commonly found, many smaller organisations will have a ladder or set of stepladders to enable light fittings to be changed, or to reach storage which is situated out of easy reach.

The HSE is urging all organisations with ladders or stepladders to assess their quality, make sure they are right for the job, and safe to use. If your ladder is broken or unsafe to use, then the Ladder Exchange is an opportunity for you to replace your ladder and receive a discount of up to 50% off the normal price. HSE partners where you can receive a discount in exchange for faulty ladders include

• Speedy Hire
• SGB Hire & Sale
• Ladderstore.com
• T B Davies
• HSS Hire

For a full list of partners please see the HSE website.