Businesses across the UK are being urged to ditch their 'dodgy' old ladders and exchange them for a new one, as part of a Health and Safety Executive campaign that will run until the end of August.

Each year thousands of workers sustain injuries in falls from ladders. According to the HSE in 2006/2007, 14 people died in falls from ladders.

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The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is promoting ladder safety messages through a 'Ladder Exchange', which aims to remove 4,000 'dodgy' ladders from workplaces around the country.

An HSE spokesperson said: "The 1,200 fatal and major injuries each year that result in a fall from a ladder cost the economy more than £60 million. This year HSE aim to remove 4,000 'dodgy' ladders from workplaces throughout Great Britain.

"We want anyone working at height to use the right ladder for the job and to use it safely. Ladder Exchange is the opportunity for small trade businesses to assess the risks involved in ladder use and adopt sensible health and safety measures."

(CL/SP)