Didnt see the news myself so all second hand information from people who think they know best, that by june 2008 I wont be able to use a ladder as well as no water is this right ? Any comments on this would be great thanks
Its absolute rubbish!
Corky, this country has adopted a very peculiar stance on H&S legislation.
It will not come out and categorically 'ban' ladders, nor will it endorse their use.
The actual laws concerning the use of ladders is left very much down to the 'user'...but should you fall off them (or if a member of your staff falls) then the H&S Executive can (and will) throw the full weight of the law behind a prosecution....of
YOU!
Let me try and explain -
You go to a job and use a set of ladders to access the windows - Is this illegal?
NOYou go to a job and use a set of ladders and your staff member falls - will you be taken to court?
YESWhy? - because you didnt 'Assess the Risk' or 'Consider Alternative Methods' before their use.
You could use a bread knife to change a fuse if you wanted...theres nothing 'illegal' about it....the only time it becomes 'illegal' is if an accident results from your working practices.
You and me (and all of us!) are on some very sticky ground right now. The government will not come out and say ladders are illegal...but
WILL prosecute us if we use them and an accident results from their use.
You really are in a 'no win' situation.
Use them and everything is fine...no problem.
Use them and something happens...you will be prosecuted!