We love a bit of innovation here at Midland Ladders, and every year the Ladder Association runs a trade in event, which allows people to get a discount when trading in an old broken ladder for a new one.  They have also, in the past, asked for pictures of the worst ladder users around the globe, and it’s been the source of some giggles and some sharp intakes of breath over the years.  This year, they are calling their campaign “get a grip”, focusing on safe and proper ladder use and we thought this invention was a good fit with their focus.

Getting a grip is actually a really important aspect of safe ladder use, with experts recommending that people maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times.  As humans have four limbs, this means we can't safely carry anything up or down a ladder unless we grip it in our teeth, otherwise at every stage of the ascent or descent there are moments when only two points of contact can be maintained.

What can we do then, if we need to carry something up a ladder?  Well the simplest solutions are to have someone pass items up to you or to use a rope and pulley systems to hoist items up the ladder.  Neither of these approaches are without risk, and they don't work well with heavy items.  Thankfully an American company has addressed this risk and devised an electric ladder lift which does the hard work for you. 

The Safety Hoist Company has created an electric lift which plugs into a domestic power source, sending the lift up and down a ladder track with ease.  There are also models available for use with generators – ideal for jobs without a reliable power source on site.  The hoist has a small platform, the same width as the ladder, which can take up to 200 kilos of weight (on the largest model), which might be roofing tiles, paint or other equipment needed for tall jobs.  Should the power suddenly cut-out the hoist stops where it is, so there's no danger of it crashing down onto anyone or spilling the load everywhere. 

The lift comes with its own dedicated ladder in three sections, so you don't need to buy another ladder or compromise your own safety by using a less suitable ladder for yourself.  The standard length is 27 feet, but extra sections of ladder track can be added to give an overall height of 43 feet.  The product isn't currently available in the UK, but we love the idea and hope it is only a matter of time before this labour saving device is available on British shores.  It will certainly help ladder users get a grip on their ladder without having to carry anything up with them.