From September 1, Speedy Hire is offering to exchange old and faulty ladders for safer equipment.
Following the success of last year's campaign, when more than 4000 ladders were exchanged, Speedy Hire is working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to encourage firms to avoid using faulty ladders when working at height.

Customers who bring in old and faulty ladders for exchange to a Speedy Hire site can receive up to 50% discount on ladders and stepladders certified to BSEN131 or BS2037. (The discount is valid at Speedy Hire sites until December 2008). Any ladders brought in that fail to pass Speedy's safety inspection checks will be recycled.

During Ladder Exchange 2008 HSE and local authority inspectors will visit premises to advise firms about ladder safety. Where 'dodgy' ladders are being used, the inspectors will take action.

A number of companies are working with HSE on Ladder Exchange. These are HSS Hire, Ladderstore.com, SGB Hire and Sale, Speedy Hire and the Ladder Association.

According to HSE statistics, falls from ladders caused 12 deaths to workers last year. Ladders were responsible for nearly 1200 serious injuries, costing the economy more than £60 million last year.

Mark Turnbull, safety, health, environment and quality director at Speedy Hire said: 'If customers bring in their old ladders to our depot we will conduct a full inspection to see if they are safe. Ladders should only be used for low risk, short duration tasks. Sometimes an alternative product, such as a working platform or podium, is a better option'.