Avoid Festive Accidents – Choose the Right Ladder for the Task

Don’t let your eagerness to get the Christmas decorations up cause an unwelcome trip to A & E with the potential to ruin your festive season.

Every year, hospital A and E departments across the country report a rise in the number of admissions during December after falling from steps ladders or trees. During 2019 – 2020, over 51,000 people went to hospital following a fall from steps, ladders, or trees*. (*source NHS Digital) Whilst not all of these will have been Christmas related, we know that putting up lights and decorations indoors and outdoors can be dangerous if you don’t use the right equipment when working at height and follow basic safety procedures.

British safety ladder expert Henchman has produced an informative blog on ladder safety Ladder Safety At Home | A Guide To Working At Heights Safely (henchman.co.uk)

Here’s their five golden rules for safe ladder use:

To use a ladder, you need to be physically able and have a good understanding of how to use it safely. You should avoid climbing a ladder if you’ve undergone a recent injury.
Before you climb your ladder, you need to check if it’s safe to use it for the job you have planned. Where possible always have another person with you when using a ladder.
Check the weather and the terrain. If you’re working outside, uneven, sloping, soft terrain requires equipment fit for purpose and poor weather can increase your fall risk. Avoid using ladders if it is windy, rainy, or damp.
Check the condition of the ladder, and do not use damaged equipment.
Always follow the instructions – they are there for your safety and vary by product and by application.
Henchman tripod ladders and High Step safety platforms are specially designed for safe working at height providing a stable footing on uneven ground for jobs ranging from domestic hedge trimming to a four-metre topiary sculpture – and putting up Christmas decorations!

Said Henchman managing director Tom Kitching: “Nobody ever thinks it will happen to them. How often have we heard people saying, ‘it’s OK I’ve done this loads of times – I know what I am doing’ as they balance precariously up a ladder or steps?

“The sad fact is that it can and does happen. Stretch out that little bit too far on an indoor step ladder or lean a ladder against a tree or bush outside that suddenly gives way, and you will fall, risking serious injury or even death.

“Following basic rules and investing in the right ladder for the job could save your life.”

The UK designed, and distributed Henchman lightweight aluminium ladders and High Step platforms are available in a wide range of sizes with prices starting at £249 including VAT and free delivery to UK mainland addresses. For more details on the Henchman range of ladders and see safety videos visit www.henchman.co.uk.