Ladder Exchange Programme

The Ladder Exchange Programme is actively supported by the Ladder Association and Kentec Training who have made a firm commitment to work in partnership with HSE and the access industry. We support this programme as the 'Exchange' has also contributed to raising awareness and understanding of how to use ladders and stepladders safely. Under the scheme, suspect ladders can be exchanged for new, at a discounted price by Kentec Training.

The Ladder Exchange is a great example of how everyone in the health and safety system can share responsibility and work together towards a common goal; namely, reducing falls from height.

With immediate effect, the Ladder Association has assumed responsibility for delivering the annual Ladder Exchange. Since it was first launched in 2007, the Exchange has been responsible for removing over 10,000 broken, bented or damaged ladders from the workplace with the message ‘Don’t let a dodgy ladder shatter your life’. Cameron Clow, the new chairman of the Association has commented: “By entrusting the running and management of the Ladder Exchange to the Ladder Association, HSE is acknowledging the increasingly important role that the Association and member organisations of the Access Industry Forum (AIF) now play in advancing safety and best practice in the work at height sector.”

“The Ladder Association is the natural and logical new home for this landmark initiative, which, at launch, created a benchmark in collaboration between the industry trade body, ladder manufacturers and suppliers, and the regulatory body. As an organisation committed to advancing knowledge, skills and safety, we are proud and delighted to have the opportunity of taking over and developing this initiative.”

Paul Cook for HSE says: ”It is widely recognised that trade associations such as the Ladder Association are well placed to promote safety in their industries, given their long established cross-sector membership and contacts. We look forward to the Ladder Association making a real success of the Ladder Exchange as it develops in future years, helping to reduce serious risks that can cost people their livelihoods and  their lives.”

Falls from height:

Despite a steady decline, falls from height remain the most common kind of workplace fatality. In 2010/11, a total of 38 workers died and 4,327 employees suffered a major injury as a result of a fall from height in the workplace, with a further 10,232 employees suffering an ‘over 3 day’ injury. Many of these incidents could have been avoided by people with the right training using the correct equipment that had been properly inspected and maintained.