It’s the most dangerous time of the year!

Werner Ladders teams up with Christmas decorating expert Paul Toole to launch safety campaign

With the NHS bracing itself for 80,000 visitors to A&E departments across the country* this festive season, families across the UK are being urged to take care this Christmas.

In recent years Brits have followed in the footsteps of the US, deciding that decking the halls with boughs of holly will no longer suffice, instead lavishing their roofs, windows and gardens with an array of illuminations to mark the season.

But the risks taken in doing so are more likely to be met with an ‘Oh, oh NO’ than a Ho Ho Ho… and WernerCo, the largest ladder manufacturer in the UK, has launched its ‘Safe Yet Stylish’ campaign to minimize accidents as people get their homes holiday-ready.

The NHS estimates that up to 350 people every year are injured while putting up fairy lights, and a further 1,000 while festooning the house in decorations, often relying on chairs rather than ladders.

Paul Bruton, Product Development Director of Werner Ladders UK, said: “Investing in the proper equipment is a key part of home safety. Every year, more and more people are decorating the outside of their homes to celebrate, but the risks they take to do so are quite alarming.

“From standing on chair-backs to reach the top of the tree to balancing on window-sills and guttering to install lights, it’s hardly surprising that A&E departments are run off their feet at this time of year, and we’re urging people not to put themselves in danger in their enthusiasm to embrace the festive spirit,” he said.

With that in mind, Werner Ladders has joined forces with Paul Toole**, the UK’s best known expert when it comes to creating a Christmas masterpiece, to get his advice on creating a grotto to be proud of.

Having lit his home in Wells, Somerset for more than a decade, this year Paul has given his Manning Close home a break in 2014 in order to work on the town’s display, but has taken some time out to share his advice. 

Paul’s simple tips will ensure that the house looks its dazzling best, while everyone gets to stand and admire it, rather than rushing to the nearest hospital… 

• Always check compatibility of lights - Before you set off to decorate your home, check that the lights you plan to use are safe to use outdoors. Many Christmas lights will clearly state on the packaging if they are safe for indoor or outdoor use. The main reason for this is that indoor lights do not have the same weatherproof IP ratings as outdoor lights.
• Never use black dustbin bags - I've seen the practice of protecting plugs & sockets using dustbin bags many times. It's really a recipe for disaster! Always use proper weatherproof boxes to protect electrics. Most of these boxes are rated at IP66 and will easily accommodate a 6 gang extension lead. They are specifically designed to withstand our British Winters.
• Replace any damaged bulbs and check for frayed cords –Not only do damaged bulbs detract from a display, but the broken glass can also be hazardous to small children and pets. Furthermore, you’re also wasting energy, and frayed cords will allow water to seep in. They’ll need replacing. It's far better to use LED lighting. Not only are they 90 percent more efficient in energy, there's also no need to replace any bulbs.
• Use a grounded outlet for your electrical supply – Dragging extension cords outside is an accident waiting to happen with power surges and winter weather. Instead, plug lights into a ground fault circuit interrupter made for outdoor use, using a certified electrician to install it safely.
• Provide additional security with multiple strands - Outside lights are exposed to water, so try to source connectable lights. These lights are designed to be connected together using a waterproof tight screw connector. NEVER use electrical tape to make connections, by doing this you'll allow moisture to seep into the connection.
• Use the right tools for the job, and get a helper on board - If you are working on a tree, you'll need a large stepladder or podium ladder for stability. For lights attached to a house, a fibreglass extension ladder is essential. Ensure you have a helper to give you support.  As far as securing the lights themselves goes, avoid sharp staples and nails that could pierce cables. Use plastic clips to secure strands to gutters, tiles, shingles, bricks or trees.

In order to help households buy the right equipment, Werner Ladders has devised an online tool to help choose the right ladder to get the job done efficiently and safely.

Werner’s Ladder Finder resource allows shoppers to choose the right climbing equipment for their household, taking type, height, duty rating and material into account.  Initially created with tradesmen in mind, the online tool is ideal for families to ensure safety during everyday tasks from putting the Christmas lights up to cleaning windows and decorating.

 

Paul Bruton, Product Development Director of Werner Ladders UK, said: “Falling is only one factor to consider at this time of year – sadly there are a whole range of dangers that can spoil the festivities, so we’re urging people not to get too swept up in the excitement and to take the necessary safety precautions. We want Christmas to go with a bang, for all the right reasons!”

 

Sheila Merrill, RoSPA’s public health adviser, said: “We want everyone to have a safe and happy Christmas, but accidents can easily happen. With a little care and forward planning they can be avoided.

 

“RoSPA welcomes Werner’s stance as more and more people are now taking the opportunity to decorate the outside of their homes, however when any activity becomes more popular it is to be expected that there will be a rise in the number of people being injured - obviously something we are keen to avoid especially at such a happy time of year. 

“Accidents happen more easily when you are unprepared and rush, so think through the tasks you intend to do before you start work. As well as being honest about your abilities, make sure you have the right tools for the job and that they are in good repair. Remember to wear appropriate clothing and shoes, and check the instructions that come with tools or materials to see whether any protective gear is recommended. When working with power tools, use an RCD, residual current device, if your home is not already wired with one.”

Werner’s Ladder Finder can be found at www.wernerladder.co.uk

 

Werner Ladders is referring its customers to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents advice on protecting themselves against accidents this Christmas:

http://www.rospa.com/homesafety/adviceandinformation/christmassafety/safety-tips.aspx

 

*   NHS Statistics

** For more information on Paul Toole and examples of his displays, visit http://www.paultoole.co.uk/

Werner Ladders has also issued the following guidance for ladder safety:

1. Lock down the ladder – Before climbing make certain the metal braces are firmly locked in place and all the way down.
2. Eyes forward –Position the ladder so that you are facing it as you work, not away from it.
3. Keep your distance – Don’t climb any higher than the second step from the top of a stepladder, and never step on the top platform.
4. Door safety– If the ladder needs to be positioned close to a door make sure it can’t swing open and collide with the ladder. Always advise anyone insider that you’re directly outside the door.
5. Adapt to your surface–Indoors or outdoors, if the floor surface is slick, place a rubber mat or attach rubber to the ladder legs to increase its grip.
6. Bare your sole – Check that the soles of your shoes are  clean – water, mud or grease can cause accidents