Falling from height is one of the most common work related accidents in the UK. So sometimes you need more than just a standard ladder to work from height safely. Overreaching and trying to manoeuvre a ladder into a situation that is not only impossible but also extremely dangerous, can mean that you are not only putting yourself at risk, you may also be unwittingly putting others at risk too.
Ladder risk assessments
Before you do any work from height a risk assessment must always be undertaken to determine what the risks are. In informal situations, you may do the risk assessment yourself, but if you work in industry you will have to go through the formalities of filling in a risk assessment form if the job you are attempting to do, has not been done before. Performing a risk assessment will let you take a step back from the situation, so you have time to think what the best course of action will be.
Use a scaffold tower
In some situations where reaching a height using a ladder is impossible, it may be a more appropriate solution to use a scaffold tower. If you use a scaffold tower, you have the ability to cover a larger area when you work and will not have the restrictions that a ladder holds. The work will thus not only be carried out more quickly but also more safely too.
