§ Lord Lamont of Lerwickasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether there is a European directive or regulation, present or proposed, relating to ladders; if so, what is its purpose; and whether it has the support of the Government. [HL4089]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonThe Second Amendment to the Use of Work Equipment Directive, which covers the selection and use of all equipment for work at height, also contains specific provisions relating to the use of scaffolding, ladders and rope access equipment. It was adopted by the Council of Ministers in July 2001 and must be implemented in the UK by July 2004.
The purpose of the directive is to reduce the number of fatalities and accidents caused by falls from height at work. On average in Great Britain there are 80 fatalities and 5,500 major injuries per year; around 25 per cent of these involve ladders. The Government fully support this purpose.