Ladder Exchange launch

Run by industry body the Ladder Association and supported by the Health & Safety Executive’s Working Well Together (WWT) campaign, the Ladder Exchange takes old, potentially dangerous ladders out of circulation by offering people a real incentive to upgrade. The 2014 scheme will run from September 1st until the end of the year.

The Ladder Association’s Chairman, Cameron Clow, said: "This is our third year running the Ladder Exchange, which has been an excellent means of getting out the ladder safety message while helping people in a practical way. Thousands of ladders were traded in last year, saving a lot of people and businesses money and hopefully a few people’s lives.”

As in previous years, running alongside the Exchange will be the Idiots on Ladders contest. Anyone can send in pictures of shockingly dangerous ladder use to the Ladder Association Facebook page (facebook.com/ladderassociation) or email to info@ladderassociation.org.uk. The public vote will then determine 2014’s biggest "idiot on a ladder”.

This year’s Exchange will also come with expert tips for checking the condition of ladders and using them in the home, a look at the experiences people have had with unsafe ladder use, and a particular focus on the benefits of training for people working with ladders.

All of these tips and information will be available from the Ladder Exchange website (ladderexchange.org.uk). The site is also the place to go to find a nearby trade-in partner, with outlets all around the UK ready to offer discounts in exchange for old ladders in any condition. Details are also available by phoning the Ladder Association directly on 0845 260 1048.