Werner Campaign Calls for Tradespeople to Put Safety First

Ladder manufacturer Werner is calling on tradespeople across the UK to put safety first this spring with the launch of its ‘April Falls Month’ campaign, a nationwide initiative to promote safer practices when working at height.

The campaign comes at a critical time for workplace safety, with falls from height remaining the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the UK, according to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). The latest statistics show that 35 workers lost their lives due to falls from height in 2024/25, accounting for 28% of all workplace deaths.

With working at height a routine aspect of life for most tradespeople, Werner says the statistics highlight the need for continued education, training and awareness across the industry.

April Falls Month

To support that drive for knowledge, Werner is launching its first ever ‘April Falls Month’ – a campaign designed to encourage tradespeople to think carefully about how they work at height and to reinforce simple safety behaviours that help prevent serious injuries.

Throughout the month, the Werner team will visit job sites and stores nationwide to provide advice and guidance for safe working at height.

At the centre of the campaign is a message that encapsulates the core values of the campaign: ‘Choose Life, Choose Werner’. This slogan – a nod to the iconic 80s supergroup Wham! – will feature on a series of limited-edition T-Shirts being distributed to trade professionals who routinely work at height, with the aim of sparking conversations around ladder safety on site and in merchant branches.

Alongside this, Werner will also be sharing practical guidelines and safety resources to help tradespeople ensure they are using access equipment correctly. This includes best practice guides on a range of key topics, namely:

• Rules for working at height
• Reviewing whether a ladder is the best tool for the job at hand
• Protocols for safe standing on ladders and the unique advice for differing ladder categories
• Safety checklist to follow prior to use
• How to safely use tools whilst working at height

Safety First

Justin White, Werner UK MD

Justin White, Managing Director of Werner UK, said: “Working at height is a routine part of life for thousands of trade professionals across the UK – but it should never become routine from a safety perspective.

“The fact that falls from height remain the biggest cause of workplace fatalities shows just how important it is to keep safety front of mind.

“Through April Falls Month, we want to encourage the industry to pause, think and take simple steps that could ultimately save lives. We hope the simple message of ‘Choose Life, Choose Werner’ sticks with the trade, and encourages them to have safety front of mind, both for the duration of the campaign and going forwards.”

Find more information about ladder safety and working at height via Werner’s safety hub.

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