Protecting ladder users from COVID-19

“Keeping ladder users safe now means protecting them from Coronavirus as well as falls,” says The Ladder Association, as they release new guidance for health and safety managers.  

New guidance from the Ladder Association is helping managers keep ladder users safe during the coronavirus outbreak, whether they’re attending a ladder training course or using ladders in the workplace.The lead industry body has offered its advice on the challenges being faced by those responsible for the health and safety of ladder users as they plan a return to work. In a new guidance document released free-of-charge to the industry, the Ladder Association delves into issues such as how long the virus lasts on ladders, how rescue plans will be affected and how workers can minimise the risk of the virus spreading through proper cleaning of equipment and materials, particularly if they have been handled by multiple people.

Importantly, it includes advice on how workers can maintain physical distancing while using ladders, with a focus on two activities that need to be considered carefully: stabilising a ladder and raising a ladder.

As Ladder Association training starts to resume in some areas, they have also addressed the need for people to be protected from coronavirus during their course. They remind us of the importance of Ladder Association training and reassure managers of the protective measures they can expect to be in place during a course, from e-learning options to minimise time spent at the training centre to increased hygiene and cleaning. They also explain how Ladder Association cardholders can get an extension if their qualification is due to expire before it’s safe for them to visit a training centre.

Gail Hounslea, Ladder Association Chairman and Managing Director of Ladderstore, commented: “Keeping ladder users safe now means protecting them from Coronavirus as well as falls and other injuries. Businesses are facing the unprecedented challenge of getting people safely back to work during a pandemic. Ladders are only a small part of what they’ve got to consider, but we realised we could use our expertise to support all those whose workers will be heading back up ladders and need to ensure every safety aspect is covered.”

Read the Ladder Association’s guidance on keeping ladder users safe during the Coronavirus outbreak: https://ladderassociation.org.uk/keeping-ladder-users-safe-during-covid-19-outbreak/