More than 8,000 'dodgy' ladders have been taken out of use as part of the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) ladder exchange initiative.

This year's programme runs until 30 November, 2011 and allows business owners an easy and simple way to replace broken, damaged or bent ladders and trade them in for safe new ones.

The HSE is working in partnership with a number of retailers who are offering special offers and deals for people who take in ladders that are no longer safe and put users in danger.

And figures from the HSE show that in 2008/09 a total of 35 workers died and over 4,000 employees suffered major injury as a result of a fall from height in the workplace.

Many of these incidents could be avoided by using the right equipment and taking simple precautions, the HSE claim.

Common causes of falls from ladders

Website: Ladders - Health and Safety Executive