Recent reports about the use of stepladders being banned by HSE are, of course, not correct.

However, HSE have recently issued guidance on the need to keep three points of contact when using the stepladder.

I suspect all of us who have used a stepladder have at some time or other lifted one foot up as we reach across to do a little more work at a distance from the ladder. This is highlighted by HSE as a dangerous practice due to the inherent instability of the body when in such a position. Further guidance on use of stepladders is included on the HSE website.

The latest figures for HSE show 46 people died and 3,351 suffered major injury during 2005/2006 as a result of falls from height at work.

Visit www.lawgistics.co.uk or call 0870 26 77 118 for more information.