Health and Safety

There are significant benefits to health and safety by using a magnetic light fitting in collaboration with a mechanical pincer.

On average 13 people a year die at work falling from ladders and nearly 1200 suffer major injuries. More than a quarter of falls happen from ladders. This partly explains the need for the new Work at Height regulations that came into force in the UK in 2005. The central point of these regulations is to prevent accidents by performing a risk assessment of each task and ensuring the task is made safe by use of the appropriate tools. The impact on the end user is that certain tasks can no longer be completed using a ladder, mobile platforms and scaffolding may be required.

Regulations state that at all times a user should have one hand holding the ladder. This prevents a maintenance worker from changing a light bulb. The regulations do permit the use of two hands for a brief time, although only where it is not possible to make alternative arrangements.

Health and Safety legislation disapproves of changing a bulb whilst on a ladder.

Using a one handed light fitting allows users and employers to fully conform to regulations, and will reduce falls from height.

The magnetic fitting also benefits users at home.

For more information on ladder safety see the Work at Height Regulations, published by the Health and Safety Executive, April 2005, INDG401.