Watchdog warning on using ladders
Source: The Australian

MORE than 80 Australians have died falling from a ladder in the past five years, prompting a warning from the consumer watchdog.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) today released a guide to using ladders safely, after a recent Royal Adelaide Hospital study showed deaths and injuries from ladder falls were increasing.

"At least 83 Australians have died during the past five years after falling from their ladder and thousands more have been seriously injured," Commissioner John Martin said.

"The majority of these deaths and injuries were suffered by people using a ladder for home repairs and renovation."

Mr Martin said the study showed men in their retirement, and working around the home, were the most at risk of death or injury from falling from a ladder.

However, injuries also were experienced by a number of professional handymen, possibly due to complacency and the taking of shortcuts.

"Many precautions, such as checking the condition of the ladder before use and ensuring that it is placed on a firm and level surface are commonsense," Mr Martin said.

"However, there are also other important safety precautions that may not be immediately apparent but can help alleviate or eliminate the risk of falling or injury."

Copies of Safety Alert: Using a ladder are available at http://www.accc.gov.au/

MAY 25, 2006