Speedy Hire Teams Up With The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

As part of its annual campaign to reduce the number of accidents caused by unsafe ladders. Speedy is offering to trade in old or damaged ladders in part-exchange for alternative, safer equipment. The pledge is part of a UK-wide Ladder Exchange designed to drive down the number of deaths and injuries caused by faulty equipment.

From 1 September, the HSE and local authority enforcement officers will be checking ladders as part of their visits, which could see dodgy ladders being confiscated.

Peter Brown HSE Head of Work Environment, Radiation and Gas Division said: "In 2007/08, 58 workers died and over 3600 were seriously injured as a result of a fall from height in the workplace. Over a quarter of these incidents involved ladders. "We want anyone working at height to use the right ladder for the job and to use it safely. Ladder Exchange is the perfect opportunity for businesses to assess the risks involved in using ladders and to adopt sensible health and safety measures."

Following the success of previous campaigns, which have seen more than 5000 ladders exchanged, from 1 September Speedy will be offering to exchange old and faulty ladders at its access depots and will be offering a discount of up to 50 percent on ladders and stepladders certified to BSEN131 or BS2037. Wherever possible, any ladders that do not pass inspection will be recycled.