Ladders have been helping us reach new heights for over [1]10,000 years. The earliest known depiction, found on a Mesolithic cave wall in Valencia, Spain, shows how long this tool has been a part of human history. While its purpose has remained unchanged, the ladder has undergone impressive changes to meet modern needs across countless industries.
The Shocking Risks of Working at Height
When it comes to working from height, risks are no doubt increased, the higher you go, the greater the danger. Alarming statistics reveal that between [2]2021 and 2022, 29 lives were tragically lost due to falls from height, making it the leading cause of fatal workplace injuries in the U.K. Shockingly, ladders are often at the center of these incidents. So, what’s going wrong, and how can we make working from height safer?
Real-Life Stories
On average, ladders cause [3]515 injuries per year, with many of these incidents involving over-reaching, losing balance, equipment misuse or failure, or failure of a surface. Real-life stories bring the dangers into sharp focus. Take, for example, the case of a window cleaner who fell 2.3 meters due to an unsecured ladder, resulting in multiple broken ribs, fingers, and a fractured arm whilst on the job. While this worker was fortunate to escape with his life, not everyone is so lucky. Tragically, a maintenance fitter lost his life in a similar scenario. He slipped on the second rung of a ladder, his feet slipping through, causing him to fall backward. The impact on the floor resulted in a fatal head injury.
These real-life incidents prove that one misstep can be life-altering, for both you and your loved ones. By investing in equipment that enhances ladder safety and security, you’re taking a critical step toward protecting your team as they handle everyday tasks. Prioritising safety doesn’t just save lives—it shows your colleagues that you’re an employer who values their well-being above all else.
Meet The Ladder Extension Safety Handrail
The Ladder Extension Safety Handrail is our newest product, designed with your safety in mind, this game-changing product is here to make ladder use safer than ever. By providing extra support and stability, it helps reduce the risk of falls, addressing the alarming statistics we’ve discussed.
The Key Features for Every Work Site
The extension handrail extends an impressive 0.9m (35”) above the top of your ladder, providing a secure and safe transition to another surface. Its versatile design offers flexibility across a wide range of projects, thanks to its compatibility with ‘D’ and ‘square’ profile rungs on single, double, and triple extension ladders, and an unbeatable fitment range of up to 89mm. Wherever your work takes you, this handrail enhances safety by ensuring you can maintain 3-points of contact when mounting or dismounting.
But that’s not all, with installation designed to be fast and hassle-free, no tools or drilling are required, and the slide catch locks and thumb screws make setup quick and effortless, so you can focus on the tasks at hand.
The Ladder Extension Handrail weighs just 5.6kg (12.3lb) and is lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry between job sites. Crafted from durable powder-coated aluminium, it offers extra protection and weatherproofing, ensuring long-lasting performance in any condition.
Whether you’re prioritising safety, ease of use, or durability, this handrail has it all.
Click here to view the Ladder Extension Safety Handrail.