Over the next 3 months, small businesses will get the chance to get their ladders checked and where necessary, trade them in for new ones at a discounted price. HSE is working in close association with Local Authorities, ladder manufacturers and retailers to address the safety issues around access equipment with employers and ladder users.

Dr Elizabeth Gibby, HSE"s head of injuries reduction programme said: "We want anyone working at height to use the right ladder for the job and to use it safely. Ladder Exchange is 'the' opportunity for small trade businesses to assess the risks involved in ladder use and adopt sensible health and safety measures."

"In 2005/06 a total of 46 workers died and a further 3351 employees suffered major injuries as a result of a fall from height in the workplace. There is still a lot of poor standard equipment out there and we will do everything it takes to educate people and get rid of ‘dodgy’ ladders from workplaces. Simple precautions can save lives and help prevent injuries."