As reported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)*, the national truck, bus and plant division of Volvo has been fined £900,000 after one of their workers fell from a faulty stepladder and suffered serious head injuries.

Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard how the worker was servicing a large delivery truck in September 2015 when he fell, striking his head and losing consciousness. He still suffers from ongoing complications and has been unable to return to work.

An investigation by the HSE found that the stepladder he had been using had not been maintained or checked to ensure it was safe for use. The ladder was damaged, and its anti-slip feet were worn.

Comments chairman of the Ladder Association, Martin Brooke: “Just because it’s a simple stepladder doesn’t mean it hasn’t got to be regularly inspected and maintained like any other piece of access equipment. In fact, the Work at Height Regulations demands it.”

“As this tragic case again demonstrates, a straightforward, systematic approach to checking and recording the condition of ladders and stepladders can play a significant part in reducing falls from height.”

According to the HSE, this case is not about banning ladders, but about companies ensuring that they properly maintain their work at height equipment and train their workers on how to inspect it correctly.

Brooke adds: “Ladders and stepladders are a sensible choice to safely access work at height that is low risk and of short duration. However, the Ladder Association is unequivocal in its advice that, like any other work at height equipment, people must be trained to inspect and use the equipment safely.”

Says HSE Inspector, Nick Wright: “As this case shows, even a fall from a relatively small height can have devastating consequences.”