Presidential view

Although the ECA was one of the first to issue guidance on how to comply, many members have experienced difficulties with clients and major contractors who have banned stepladders on site.

Back in September 2005, the Health and Safety Executive explained WAH on BBC2's ‘Newsnight', where it told viewers: "The Regulations do not ban ladders but they should be only used for low risk, short duration work when all the safer alternatives for work at height have been ruled out [for practical reasons]." In short - do a decent risk assessment.

Even so, it seems that in some parts of the industry, bans and restrictions are barging risk assessment to one side. Numerous contractors were told to "get rid of steps" during projects in 2005. This caused major, and often costly, practical and contractual problems.

Some of the best advice to members is also the simplest: make sure your client agrees with your chosen method of access before you start, and get it in writing if you can. The ECA will be meeting clients, major contractors and the HSE this year to help bring some sense back to the situation.