Well, seven, if the picture doing the rounds on the internet is anything to go by!  Contractors working for Devon County Council were pictured checking the traffic light bulbs and signal at a junction on the A30 when they were snapped by a passing motorist, one up the ladder and the other six standing around watching him.  The image has provoked some strong reactions online, mostly about the taxpayer expense, but the council has taken pains to emphasise that the men work for a firm contracted by the council and are not being paid by the council to stand and watch their colleague working.

What users of access equipment might find interesting about the picture is the style of ladder the man is using.  It is an A-frame construction type step-ladder, with splayed legs on either side for extra stability.  Additionally, the legs appear to be adjustable in height, as each side of the ladder is set on ground of differing heights.  The man is showing correct ladder procedure: not standing on the top rungs of the step ladder and the ladder does not seem to be at an angle.  He is also backed up by not one, but six colleagues on the ground who could stabilise the ladder further.  He is wearing correct protective clothing including a hard hat and high visibility gear, a necessity when working around traffic.

We couldn’t end this story without a few light bulb jokes, so here goes:

Q: How many civil servants does it take to change a light bulb?

A: 50.  One to change the light bulb and 49 to fill in the paperwork.

Q: How many check out staff does it take to change a light bulb?

A: Are you kidding?  They won’t even change a fiver for the car park!

Q: How many procrastinators does it take to change a light bulb?

A:  One, but I’ll probably do it tomorrow.