A brochure highlighting essential precautions for the use of ladders around the home was launched in Adelaide on 25 May 2006 by ACCC Commissioner, Mr John Martin.
Mr Martin commented:
At least 83 Australians have died during the past five years after falling from their ladder and thousands more have been seriously injured.
The majority of these deaths and injuries were suffered by people using a ladder for home repairs and renovation.
A study at Royal Adelaide Hospital concluded that deaths and injuries resulting from ladder falls have been increasing in recent years.
Under the product safety provisions of the Trade Practices Act, the ACCC is responsible for protecting Australian consumers from unsafe products.
Mr Martin said:
While some products might not be unsafe in themselves, there may be serious risks associated with their incorrect use, and the ACCC will always act to inform consumers about these dangers.
The ACCC, in consultation with Dr Andrew Pearce and Royal Adelaide Hospital, produced the guide to educate home ‘handymen’ about the hazards associated with incorrect ladder usage, and how they can eliminate those risks.
The guide outlines potentially dangerous practices, and provides a list of simple safety precautions that all users should follow to avoid risk of injury when using a ladder around the home.
Accident data indicates that the group primarily at risk of death or injury from the incorrect use of ladders are men of or nearing retirement age, working around the home.
Copies of Safety alert: using a ladder are available from all ACCC offices in capital cities and Townsville, from the ACCC website, or from the ACCC Infocentre by calling 1300 302 502.
ACCC budget papers
The 2006–07 ACCC budget papers were published on 3 May 2006. These, and those going back to 1998–99, are available from the Commonwealth budget website (go to portfolio budget statements and then Treasury) at www.budget.gov.au.
