What Happens if your employee has an accident on your un-inspected ladder?

Legal Compliance: Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers are legally required to ensure that equipment used for working at height is properly maintained and inspected regularly. Failure to comply can lead to legal penalties and increased liability in the event of an accident.

Accident Prevention: Regular inspections help identify defects such as cracks, corrosion, or wear and tear that could lead to ladder failure. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent accidents and injuries.

Statistical Evidence: Falls from height, many involving ladders, account for approximately 25% of all worker fatalities and 8% of non-fatal injuries annually in the UK

CAST STUDIES

Case Study 1: An employee fell from a ladder at work due to a defective rung. The ladder had not been inspected regularly, and the defect went unnoticed. The fall resulted in a broken leg and wrist. The employer was found negligent for failing to conduct regular inspections and was ordered to pay £15,000 in compensation to the injured worker.

Case Study 2: A warehouse worker used a ladder that had missing anti-slip feet, causing it to slip on the floor. The subsequent fall led to a severe back injury. Investigation revealed that the ladder had not undergone any formal inspections. The employer faced a compensation claim of £25,000 for negligence in maintaining safe equipment

Case Study 3: In a construction setting, a painter fell from a ladder that collapsed due to a weakened structure from rust. The lack of regular inspections meant the deterioration was not identified. The injury resulted in permanent disability, and the employer was liable for £100,000 in compensation and faced additional fines for health and safety violations