In recent news from the Ladder Association, the number of reports of improper ladder use has made for quite an outrageous online gallery being compiled and begs questions about better safety education.

Across the world, falling is the second leading cause of death and a massive cause of personal injury, particularly within elderly individuals. Falling from heights, whether from scaffolding, high level access or from ladders is often fatal and the alarming number of fatalities grows year after year. Statistics compiled by the World Health Organisation claim that job roles such as construction workers, builders, painters, electricians and miners were amongst the occupations that had the highest rates of fall related injuries and judging by the scenarios displayed in the ‘Idiots on Ladders’ content held as part of the Ladder Associations’ Ladder Exchange scheme, it’s easy to see why.

The contest was aimed at highlighting the ladder safety and its importance in the home and workplace, promoting better equipment training, maintenance or replacement of substandard equipment and identifying the wrong and right uses for ladders in many environments. It has obviously been a worrying concern as more than 540,000 people across the world have lost their lives due to falls across the world, many of which could have been avoided by taking the necessary precautions and having the right training and equipment for the job.

The ‘Idiots on Ladders’ gallery can be viewed via the Facebook page for The Ladder Association and showcases the stupidity and in some cases, the absurd innovative lengths that some individuals go to when operating at heights using ladders. The non-profit organisation work to promote high standards and best practices in ladder use and the gallery will certainly open your eyes to the dangers that people will place themselves in. In its third year, the winning photograph from the many entries will be drawn this month, and will be the one that received the most Facebook likes and comments.

Michael Fern, from The Ladder Association had this to say: “Thousands of people look at these horrifying images each year, and judging by the number of entries received so far, 2014 promises to bring the problem of ladder misuse into even sharper focus.

“The huge response this year shows that people know how ridiculous misusing ladders can be, but it also shows the scale of the problem, with people finding unbelievable pictures all around the UK and beyond. Being safe on a ladder can be as simple as taking a one-day or less training course, but many are choosing to take their lives in their hands instead.”

Devon-based ladder, scaffold and access solutions specialists Lofts and Ladders agree that better training is much needed and regularly react to news within their industry. A spokesperson for the company believes that the former HSE campaign is necessary to raise awareness to the hazards and danger that people put themselves and other in and more should be done to limit incidents:

“It really does beggar belief when you see the gallery pictures for the first time. It is clear to see how so many injuries are reported annually when you witness the mindless lengths that workers and individuals will go to in order to work precariously at heights. We firmly believe in pushing the need for better training and greater safety awareness.”

Well-established since 1999, Lofts and Ladders remain as one of the leading professional suppliers of some of the best ladders and access solutions. Discover their extensive range via their website today at http://loftsandladders.co.uk.