Telescopic ladders have become increasingly popular due to their compactness and ease of storage. However, recent research conducted by the Ladder Association highlights a concerning issue – unsafe and non-compliant telescopic ladders continue to be sold online in the UK, posing significant risks to users. In this article, we will delve into the findings of the Ladder Association’s safety report, emphasising the importance of purchasing ladders that meet safety requirements to ensure user safety.
The Ladder Association’s Safety Report: The Ladder Association’s safety report builds upon their previous market surveillance study conducted in 2022. Shockingly, over 80% of the commercially-available telescopic ladders tested failed to meet the minimum safety requirements designed to protect users. Even more concerning, more than half of the failed ladders were intentionally marked and sold as “compliant,” misleading unsuspecting consumers.
Despite ongoing efforts to raise awareness, no action has been taken to improve the problem. In a bid to see if the retailers have addressed the issue, the Ladder Association re-tested a proportion of the same products from last year’s study, bought from the world’s best-known online retailers Amazon and eBay, and popular online marketplace OnBuy.com. Unfortunately, every set of telescopic ladders tested failed the required safety tests, meaning they are non-compliant and dangerous, and proving that the earlier failures were not single instances. The latest study also found over 80% of the ladders re-tested claimed to be compliant with product standard EN 131 – but not one of the products met the standard.
Online Marketplace Challenges:
The current state of online marketplaces exacerbates the problem. Online platforms that sell products supplied by third-party sellers have no legal obligation to prevent the sale of unsafe goods on their platforms. Additionally, there is no requirement to inform consumers if they have purchased unsafe products. This lack of responsibility gives rogue manufacturers and suppliers worldwide the freedom to sell dangerous products directly to unsuspecting consumers in the UK without facing consequences.
Safety Risks and the Need for Change:
Working at heights already presents inherent risks, and the use of poor-quality ladders only increases the danger. Astonishingly, statistics indicate that every 11 minutes in the UK, someone seeks medical attention at A&E due to ladder-related injuries. Falls from heights can result in life-altering injuries and, in severe cases, fatalities.
Peter Bennett OBE, Executive Director of the Ladder Association, stresses the urgent need for regulatory changes to hold suppliers and online platforms accountable for ensuring the sale of compliant and safe products. While the recent Round Table led by Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake addressed the issue, the release of the long-awaited Product Safety Review is crucial in protecting consumers from purchasing dangerous products on online marketplaces.
Murdoch Ladders: Commitment to Safety and Quality
At Murdoch International, we offer a comprehensive range of safety-focused access solutions, from simple single ladders to compact work platforms.
The Hymer 4142 Telescopic Multi-Function Ladder strikes the perfect balance between size and versatility while providing a sturdier alternative to standard telescopic ladders on the market. Its compact design allows for easy storage and transport, yet it delivers impressive working heights of up to 7.2 metres.
This ladder adapts to multiple configurations, functioning as a free-standing A-frame ladder, a leaning ladder, and even a stairway ladder. Deployable outriggers enhance stability, ensuring user safety while working at height.
Compliant with EN131 standards, the Hymer 4142 meets essential safety requirements, making it a reliable choice for both professionals and homeowners.
These ladders are easy to store in a van and robust making them a convenient choice for trade professionals on the go. With Murdoch Ladders, users can trust that their ladders are not only practical but also meet the highest safety standards.