The Ladder Association, the not-for-profit lead industry body dedicated to promoting the safe use of portable ladders, has launched a survey to gather intelligence around the use of roof ladders across industry.

The short online survey asks roof ladder users and those who manage or supervise the use of roof ladders, to share anonymous information on frequency of use, positioning and accessing the roof ladder, and the use of personal fall protection measures.

Open to roof ladder users in both the workplace and at home, the survey aims to gain a better understanding of roof ladders from a user’s perspective. The results will be used by the Ladder Association to collaborate with ladder manufacturers, regulators, and the wider industry to prevent falls from height when using roof ladders.

Comments Francis Camilleri, Chair of the Ladder Association’s Technical Committee, “Working on roofs is a hazardous activity because it involves working at height, and we know from accident statistics that roof work accounts for a quarter of all deaths in the construction industry^*. But it’s not just an issue for construction, nor are all those killed trained roofers.

“This survey aims to gather as much intelligence as possible about roof ladder use across all industries, in workplaces and at home, and from all types of users. The information we collect will give us a much clearer picture of who uses roof ladders and the specifics on how they use them. We’re urging anyone involved in using roof ladders to spare a few minutes of their time to take part in this survey as the information will make a real difference in helping us prevent falls from height when using roof ladders.”

To take part in the survey before the closing date of 31 August, visit:

http://www.ladderassociation.org.uk/roof-ladder-survey   

*Source: RIDDOR, 2014/15-2020/21p – Reported fatal and non-fatal injuries in Great Britain by detailed industry.