75th Anniversary Ladder Association Conference 2022
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Bridge Foot, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6YR
We’re delighted to announce our annual Ladder Conference will take place on Thursday 20 October 2022,
at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. It’s a fantastic venue in a lovely setting and after a 3 year break in face-to-face meetings, we can’t wait to see you there in person!
This year is particularly special for Ladder Conference as the Ladder Association celebrates our 75th Anniversary!
Free general admission tickets to Conference are available for anyone with an interest in ladders and improving safety for those working at height. The event is most useful for safety directors/managers, company owners and site managers in any sector.
PLEASE NOTE: THE CONFERENCE IS NOT BEING LIVE STREAMED
BOOK YOUR TICKETS...
STEP 1: Select your Member or Non-Member General Admission ticket(s) below
STEP 2: Add ‘Extras – Overnight Accommodation’ option if you want to stay at the hotel the night before conference
STEP 3: Members should also select any further extras on this page for Chairman’s Dinner and CPD session, if required.
N.B. When you press ‘Continue’ above, a pop-up window should appear to allow you to enter your name and contact details. If this doesn’t happen, make sure your web browser allows pop-up windows and then try again.
Paul Cook
Head of Web & Design, Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Paul will discuss the ongoing collaboration between the HSE and the Ladder Association, including recent updates to their guidance on ladders and stepladders – both in the updated LA 455 (formerly INDG 455) and on their website.
Michael Kearney
Head of Business Engagement, Office for Product Safety & Standards
The Ladder Association was ‘Highly Commended’ in the Business category at the recent Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) Regulatory Excellence Awards 2022.
Sara Cartin
Operations Manager, Home Builders Federation (HBF)
In 2019/20 ladder incidents accounted for 33% of all fall from height incidents reported by HBF members through RIDDOR. Despite a year-on-year reduction since then, there is still more to be done. Sara will give an insight into the recent work with the Ladder Association and Access Industry Forum in producing practical guidance to help reduce falls from ladders.
Don Aers
Technical Manager, Ladder Association, and Chairman of the BSI B512 ladder standards technical committee
A revision of EN 131 (the European design standard for portable ladders) in 2015, resulted in a dimensional change to all types of leaning ladder. The change, referred to in the ladder industry as the b2 dimension, has been a hot topic for debate since its introduction.
Don will look at the developments and outcomes that have occurred since the standard changed – b2 or not b2, that is the question!
John Darby
General Manager, Test & Research Centre
Recent research and testing of a sample of telescopic ladders (obtained online and in-store) showed that 4 out of 5 of the ladders tested, failed the required safety tests designed to keep users safe.
John will give an insight into the market surveillance study, commissioned by the Ladder Association, in partnership with Trading Standards, and show just what’s involved in the rigorous product testing.
Hannah Williams
Charity Manager, No Falls Foundation
Ladder incidents account for a significant proportion of reported falls from height. While 2021/22 HSE statistics show a decline in the number of fall from height fatalities, this is no time for complacency.
Hannah will discuss why we now need to see a sustained reduction, year on year, through the pandemic and beyond, until everyone who works at height comes back down safely.
Product Showcase Exhibitors:
Ladder Association Manufacturing and Supplier members will be showcasing and demonstrating the latest ladder products and accessories – touch and feel what’s on the market and speak to them directly for product guidance!
PLUS, Test & Research Centre will be displaying some of the failed products from the recent telescopic ladder surveillance project carried out on behalf of the Ladder Association.
TICKET INFORMATION...
General Admission tickets for Thursday 20 October will include:
Full-day conference
Ladder showcase / exhibition
Lunch, refreshments & networking
EVENT TIMINGS...
Wednesday 19 October (MEMBERS ONLY)
10am onwards
Council and committee meetings take place
12pm – 1pm
Lunch for anyone attending a meeting that day
1pm – 3pm
CPD event for Ladder Association Instructors
6.30pm – 7.30pm
Chairman’s drinks reception – join us in the Terrace Atrium with entertainment while enjoying a pre-dinner drink
7.30pm – midnight
Chairman’s Dinner – celebrate 75 years of ladder safety with a 3-course dinner, drinks and live music!
Thursday 20 October
(MEMBERS & NON-MEMBERS)
9am-9.45am
Ladder Association Annual Members’ Meeting (MEMBERS ONLY)
10am-3.30pm
75th Anniversary Ladder Conference (GENERAL ADMISSION)
Please note: timings may be subject to change.
MEMBER-EXCLUSIVE CONTENT...
Ladder Association Annual Members’ Meeting
THURSDAY 20 OCT, 9am-9.45am
All Ladder Association members are warmly invited to attend our Annual Members’ Meeting.
You’ll get to hear about the Ladder Association’s activities over the past 12 months, meet our newest council and committee members, and ask questions.
CPD event for existing Ladder Association Instructors
WEDNESDAY 19 OCT, 1pm-3pm
Hosted by the Training Committee (with support from the Association’s audit team – Chris Smith and George Lopez).
Ladder Association member, Werner UK, will lead this session on how to recognise the difference between damage and wear-and-tear of fibreglass and aluminium ladders (1 CPD point).
You’ll also get the chance to ask the Training Committee any questions!
Additional CPD point for attending AMM & Conference on Thursday 20 October.
Chairman’s dinner & drinks reception – celebrating 75 years!
WEDNESDAY 19 OCT, 6.30pm-late
The night before the conference, Ladder Association Chairman, Gail Hounslea (Ladderstore) hosts a dinner and drinks reception for members, speakers and invited guests. Join us for an evening of eating, drinking, fabulous live music from rock and pop band ‘The Jacks’ and general all-round celebration!
Dress code: smart casual
A limited number of rooms (bed & breakfast) at the Crowne Plaza Stratford are available for those attending.
SOME ADDED EXTRAS...
No Falls Foundation
Meet the team from the No Falls Foundation, the first and only UK-based charity devoted exclusively to the work at height sector.
Meet the team!
The Ladder Association staff will be there representing all departments – stop by and say hi, or ask us any specific questions.
